Frank Pavlat Jr., 88, of Humble, Texas, passed away on August 17, 2026.

Frank was born on April 12, 1938, in Holland, Texas, to Frank Pavlat Sr. and Annie Marek Pavlat. The family later moved to Dayton, Texas, and in 1949 purchased a farm on Wolfe Island Road.

As the oldest son, Frank worked hard alongside his father from an early age. He attended Catholic school in Liberty, Texas, before continuing his education in Dayton, graduating from Dayton High School in 1957. Following graduation, Frank joined the United States Air Force, serving both in the United States and in Korea. He later continued his military service with pride as a reservist at Ellington Joint Air Force Base on flying status, eventually retiring as a Master Sergeant. His time in uniform was a source of lasting pride and remained one of the defining chapters of his life. After returning from active duty, Frank met his future wife Laura Jolly while hauling hay for her grandfather. They were married in 1965 and have been married for sixty one years. They became partners in life and made their marriage and family a priority.

Frank became an apprentice and journeyman machinist. While working, he earned an Associate’s degree from San Jacinto College. He then began a long career with Exxon, completing an apprenticeship program and becoming a Master Electrician. His skills and dedication led to an assignment in Ras Tanura, Saudi Arabia, where he spent ten years training workers of many nationalities as gas plant electricians. Living on the Persian Gulf was a formative and cherished experience for Frank and his family, who enjoyed the opportunity to travel to many countries during annual leaves. Upon returning to the United States, he resumed work with Exxon in Baytown, Texas. Highly mechanical and gifted at understanding how things worked, Frank was the family’s “Mr. Fix-It.” There seemed to be little he could not repair; even in later years he could watch a video, figure out the problem, and find a solution himself. After retiring from Exxon, he started Pavlat Landscaping and Maintenance. He taught his children the value of hard work and the importance of a good education. He was deeply proud that all of his children completed college and found careers they enjoy.

Family remained at the center of Frank’s life. He was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather who loved spending time with those closest to him. He coached baseball and softball for his children and was always ready for the challenge. Frank was outgoing and friendly, truly never met a stranger, and easily struck up conversations wherever he went. He was a proud Texas A&M Aggies fan who also enjoyed camping, exploring new places, traveling, and cooking for his family. In retirement, he and his wife shared memorable traveling adventures.

Affiliated with the Dayton community throughout much of his life, Frank was a man of strong faith, determination, and an unwavering work ethic. He was previously a member of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Dayton and later, after moving to Humble, a member of St. Mary Magdalene Catholic Church. Frank will be remembered for his determination, his remarkable ability to fix just about anything, his strong work ethic, his service to his country, and above all the love and devotion he showed his family.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Frank Pavlat Sr. and Annie Marek Pavlat; his sister, Edith Pavlat Offield; and his brother, Stephen Pavlat and sister-in-law Bernice Pavlat. Frank is survived by his wife,of 61 years, Laura Pavlat; his sons, Randal Pavlat and Samuel Pavlat and wife Denise; his daughters, Julie Sech and husband Dr. Scott Sech, and Summer McKee and husband Chris; his brother, Raymond Pavlat and wife Delores; and his grandchildren, Justin Sech, Jarrett Sech, Luke Pavlat, Chloe McKee, Hudson McKee, and Scott Pavlat; as well as other loving relatives and friends.

A visitation will be held from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. on Friday, August 28, 2026, at Pace-Stancil Funeral Home in Dayton, Texas, with the Rosary beginning at 7:00 p.m. A Funeral Mass will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, August 29, 2026, at St. Joseph Catholic Church, with Father Peter Nguyen officiating. Following the burial the family would like to invite you to a Reception at the Dayton Community Center. Serving as pallbearers will be Justin Sech, Jarrett Sech, Luke Pavlat, Hudson McKee, Scott Pavlat, and Chris McKee.

In lieu of flowers, a donation can be made in Franks name to The Parkinson’s Foundation 5757 Waterford District Drive, Ste 310, Miami, FL 33126 or online at https://The Parkinson's Foundation