Frank Heldenbrand

Memorial services for Frank Heldenbrand, 86, of Turnertown will be held on Saturday, May 25, 2024, at 2:00 p.m. in the Rader Funeral Home in Kilgore. scheduled.

Mr. Heldenbrand died on Saturday, May 18, after a long illness.

He was born July 9, 1937, in Ponca City, Okla. to John and Daisy Heldenbrand. Mr. Frank owned and operated Sanders Tank Co. in Turnertown for decades prior to his retirement, at which time he became a pumper and took his dogs along for the ride. He worked up until 2022, when his health deteriorated.

A proud Cherokee Indian, Mr. Heldenbrand served on the Texas Indian Commission during Gov. Bill Clements’ early terms in office and visited the Alabama-Coushatta Reservation in Livingston as well as the Tigua Indian Reservation in El Paso during his tenure.

He loved hunting and fishing with his friends and family and particularly enjoyed serving as a hunting guide in Jackson Hole, Wyo. for a brief period. Mr. Heldenbrand loved a good story, whether he was telling it or egging someone else on to tell one. He considered his breakfasts with his friends at Kelly’s Café, the Circle Café or the Burrito Shop time very well-spent.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Jeanie Heldenbrand; a son, Ricky Heldenbrand; several siblings and two grandsons.

Survivors include daughters, Debrah VanMeter of Liberty City, Kathy Vernon of Quinlan, Charlotte Heldenbrand of Overton; a son and daughter-in-law, Doug and Suzi Heldenbrand of Arp; a stepdaughter, Joyce Pace of Turnertown; sisters and brothers-in-law, Elsie Whiteside of Kilgore, Ruth Ann and Jim McGinnis of Overton, Paula and Rick Bilderback of Gladewater, Nancy Strange of Turnertown; a sister-in-law, Joyce Heldenbrand of Calhoun, Il.; numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren; and a host of other family and friends.