Frank Mejia

Frank M. Mejia, 84, of Waco, died peacefully Friday, January 5, 2024, surrounded by his family. A Rosary in his honor will be held on Thursday, January 18 at Oakcrest Funeral Home at 6:30 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, January 19 at St. Francis on the Brazos, with graveside services following at Oakwood Cemetery.

Frank was born in Waco, TX on August 19, 1939, to Jesus and Manuela Mejia. He lived his entire life in Waco, where he attended Waco schools, graduating from Waco High School in 1957. He graduated from Baylor University in 1963 with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Political Science and later earned his Master of Education Degree from Texas A&M University.

Frank began his career in education as a teacher for the Diocese of Austin. After teaching, he went on to work at the Methodist Children's Home and later joined the Waco Independent School District. Frank left his career in education and began working for Ingersoll Rand in 2004. He retired from Ingersoll Rand in 2015.

In his early life, he traveled often, visiting Mexico, South America, Spain and other parts of Europe. For many years, he enjoyed attending Waco High football, Baylor football and basketball games, often with his best friend the late Joe Bob Gough.

Frank touched the lives of countless people. Whether it was during his time as an educator, volunteering with an organization, or spending time with family and friends, Frank loved and cared for others deeply. He had a strong faith in God, a strong belief in family values, was proud of his Hispanic heritage, and he passed these values on to his children, grandchildren, nieces and nephews. If there was anyone ever in need, Frank would be there. His kind heart, thoughtful presence and positive personality will be missed by all who knew him.

Frank is preceded in death by his parents, three sisters; Juanita Rangel, Mattie Mejia and Jo Dean, and five brothers; Pete, Jesse, Francisco, Tony and Mickey Mejia, one nephew; Pete R. Mejia and one niece, Patricia Lopez. He is survived by his two children; Joseph Andrew Mejia and wife Ashley of Houston, TX, Jessica Mejia McAdoo and husband Tim of McGregor, TX and four grandchildren; Dorothy James Mejia, Miranda Jane McAdoo, Penelope Faye Mejia and James Ross McAdoo. He is also survived by his brother-in-law, Larry Dean of Los Angeles, CA and several nieces and nephews.

The family would like to especially thank Mrs. Linda Gough and her three children for their friendship, love and care that was shared over the years. There was not a better friend to Frank than Joe Bob, and Frank deeply cherished his friendship with the entire Gough family. We would also like to thank the staff at Ascension Living Providence Village and Ascension Providence Hospital for the care they provided to Frank.

Pallbearers are Jon Dean, Richard Gough, Robert Gough, Pete C. Mejia, Pete C. Mejia II and Dalton Raney.

Frank was an avid animal lover, especially of all the family pets over the years. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Cameron Park Zoological Society's Big Cats Fund. Donations can be mailed to Cameron Park Zoological Society, 1703 North 4th Street, Waco, Texas 76707.