John Wayne Frame was born on June 26, 1944, in Eureka, Texas. He was the third child born to John Logan “Buck” Frame and Mamie Andrews Frame. Buck was a sharecropper, worked in the oil fields, and at the Collin Street Bakery, but his loves were farming, fishing, and playing the mandolin. His mother Mamie worked at Haggar Slacks and was the president of the women’s auxiliary VFW in Corsicana. John grew up in Eureka and went to college in Nacogdoches. He also lived in Dallas, Amarillo, Belton, Mesquite, Garland, and Kyle, Texas. Most recently he lived with his wife, son, and daughter-in-law on the San Marcos River in Martindale, Texas. John passed away peacefully on Saturday morning, March 23rd, 2024, while surrounded by his close family.
He graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree from Stephen F. Austin State College in May 1967. He spent his life working outdoors as a landscape architect and even ran his own landscaping business for a period. During his career, John worked for both the Dallas and Farmers Branch Parks and Recreation Departments. He retired from the city of Mesquite’s Parks and Recreation Department in 2010.
John never met a stranger and is remembered fondly as having an endless supply of jokes and a kind heart. He was a gardener, a golfer, and a fisherman. He enjoyed watching television, especially sports and game shows, spoiling dogs, and bird watching. Some of his happiest moments were watching his grandson play baseball, golfing with his son, and birdwatching at the river while the smoker or pizza oven was cooking in the background. The next time you hear, “That’s what she said,” think of John.
He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Elizabeth “Beth” Ann Frame, formerly of Garland, Texas, who now resides in Martindale; children, John “David” Frame and his wife, Michelle Stuart Frame of Rockwall; Michael Spencer Frame, and his wife, Laura Beth (Sharp) Frame of Martindale. Surviving grandchildren include Jordan Frame of Fort Worth and Stephen Sharp of Little Rock, Arkansas. His surviving siblings include Tom Frame and his wife, Mona Frame of Mesquite, and Bonnie Arnold of Frisco. John is also survived by nine nieces and nephews along with many additional family members who loved him dearly. He was preceded in death by his father Buck, his mother Mamie, and his nephew, Brad Frame. In lieu of plants or flowers, memorial donations may be made to either the PAWS Animal Shelter in Kyle, Texas, the San Marcos River Foundation, the American Diabetes Association, or to any local community organization of choice.
We know that he will be with us all in spirit. Thank you for your understanding during this difficult time.