Charles Franklin “Frank” Schutz Jr., 71, of Wadsworth, Texas, passed away peacefully at home on Saturday, October 18, 2026.

Frank grew up in Bay City, Texas, where he played sports and developed the independent spirit, strong convictions, and remarkable skills that would define his life.

A cowboy, who often said he had been born in the wrong century, Frank admired a time when a man's word was his bond, hard-earned skills were a source of pride, and a person could carve a life out of the wilderness through determination and the work of his own two hands.

A master welder known throughout South Texas, he possessed an uncommon ability to render a vision and bring it to life. Whether constructing a family home, forging a knife, crafting a saddle, or repurposing discarded materials, he took pleasure in the challenge of creating something worthwhile.

Frank enjoyed hunting and fishing, was quick to honor the flag and the military. He always longed for the draw of that first cool northern blowing down from the Colorado mountains every autumn. He traveled coast to coast and as far as Hawaii. He appreciated a good story, a little mischief, and the satisfaction of a job well done.

Outspoken, often stubborn, quick with a dry chuckle, and rarely uncertain of his opinion. Beneath his rough exterior was a man who valued loyalty, loved the truth in family, kept his word and liked a good drive with a song on the radio and window rolled down. Affectionate words did not always come easy to him, choosing to express his love through the things he did and made for others.

Frank was preceded in death by his parents, his sisters Kathy Schutz and Rhonda Sutton and his wife of 23 years, Ronda Lee (Ware) Schutz.

He is survived by Tanya Schutz, his wife of 25 years; his son, Colonel Lawrence Schutz, and wife Jeanie; his daughter, Katharine Schutz; his stepson William Taylor and wife Elaina; stepdaughter Samantha Taylor, and husband Michael. He also leaves behind his grandchildren, Jillian Adolph and husband Captain Spencer Adolph, Emily Cameron, Sloan Schutz, Malina Simpson, Morgan Schutz, Robert Cameron, Callan Schutz and Walker Taylor.

A Celebration of Life for family and friends will be held Sunday, November 15, 2026, to speak his name, laugh and remember him as he was.

Frank believed, “there were worse things than dying,” and that “we live forever in the words and stories that remain” …resonating deeply for a man who lived life on his own terms.