Kenneth Frankum, Jr.

Kenneth Ray Frankum, Jr., 59, of Sweeny, Texas, passed away Saturday, October 1, 2022, at his home.  Ray was born June 30, 1963, to Kenneth and Barbara Frankum in Dallas, Texas.  He grew up in Sweeny, graduating from Sweeny High School in 1981. Ray was an avid reader, thespian, a talented artist, writer, and possessed an overall brilliantly creative mind.  He loved Texas history, and graduated with a degree in Texas history from Sam Houston State University.  He was the happiest when he was sharing his incomparable knowledge of this history with his students.  He loved to travel around the state of Texas visiting any historical site he could.

Ray loved the arts and was active in the Society for Creative Anachronism (SCA) for many years. Performing in the theater in his younger days and playing characters was always a joy for him. Recently, a young girl mistook him for Santa Claus, and this became a new goal: letting his beard go gray and his hair grow out, anticipating this holiday season and his “new role”.  His wit and his way with words usually had people in stitches as humor was the way he dealt with the daily things in life.

Ray was preceded in death by his father, Kenneth Ray Frankum, Sr. and his mother, Barbara Green Frankum.

Ray is survived by the love of his life of over 30 years, Eileen Hays; sisters Rene’ Giles (Jim) of Sweeny, and Robyn Boazman (Keith) of Brazoria; nephews Craig Frankum (Mae) of Hemphill, Kaleb Boazman (Meaghan) of Sweeny, and Cody Jackson of Lake Jackson; niece Elizabeth Giles of Sweeny; great-nephews Kenneth and Max Frankum, Zachari and Eric Boazman.

A memorial service for Ray will be held on Friday, October 14, 2022, at 11:00 A.M. at Harvest Time Church, 42 FM 2540, in Bay City, Texas.  The family asks that memorial contributions be made to your favorite charity in lieu of flowers.  Arrangements are under the direction and personal care of C.T. Baker & Sons Funeral Home in West Columbia, Texas.