Thomas "Pete" Allen Frailicks

Surrounded by his entire family, Pete Frailicks passed away Tuesday, March 20, 2018 at the age of 76.

Thomas Allen “Pete” Frailicks was born October 18, 1941 in Dallas and grew up in South Oak Cliff, which is just south of Dallas. His father, George Rufus Frailicks was a 44-year-old painter, carpenter, and all-around handyman when Pete was born. Pete was part of George’s second family; all his other kids were grown when Pete was born. His mother, Mickey Bernice Melton, was a factory worker who also worked at a cleaners. She got to press Queen Elizabeth’s coronation gown.

Pete was an alter boy until the age of 13 and went to Catholic schools. He was a latch key kid, being raised by the neighborhood, since his parents had to work. He loved music and this love was later passed onto all of his children. He competed in countless music talent shows and wanted to be the next Al Jolson. His talent was even validated by a talent scout. Pete could play anything, but really excelled at the guitar. He later revisited his talent and became a member along with his son, Tim, of the Wellborn Outlaws in the early 80’s.

During his teenage years, Pete switched to the public school and attended South Oak Cliff High School, where he became interested in cars. His pride was a 1940 model Ford. He met Linda Sue Van Meter, and decided he was done with school, got married and grew up. He later went back and got his GED in 1972 and went to Mountainview Community College and then moved the family to College station so he could go to Texas A&M.

Pete supported his young family by being a meat cutter – not a butcher – for 24 years. Everyone loved him because of his outgoing personality. He could talk to anyone. He then started working in carpet cleaning. He first worked for Rainbow, and then moved on to work with Wes Collins at C&C Carpet Cleaning for 28 years. After Pete and Linda Sue divorced in 1983, he met Brenda Brown Shoemake while they were working together at a grocery store. The two were married in 1984. As a daddy, he was always consistent and fair. None of his kids ever wanted to disappoint him. He was firm, but always respectful of them. He taught them right from wrong and boasted to have the best kids. He loved spending time with them – especially if it involved horses or fishing. He enjoyed training horses; his favorite was Sugar. He loved taking them bass fishing, but came to hate salt water mainly because of the one time he went fishing in the gulf, a jellyfish got him. He dropped his rod and reel and was the second man to ever walk on water.

Pete was an amazing storyteller. His stories weren’t always great, but he told them well. Like any good storyteller, his stories improved each time he told them, with more details and bigger events. He enjoyed reading and was a knowledgeable historian. This led him to being a political junkie. Pete was republican all the way, and often said, “the first good democrat ain’t been born yet.” His high energy that helped him as a storyteller also helped him be a karaoke star on the cruises he enjoyed. In his later years, Pete became an avid 800 series bowler, and enjoyed spending time with his friends bowling. He loved Dr. Pepper and having people around him, but reminded friends and family, “first time you are a guest, but after that you are on your own.”

Pete was blessed to have a large family to love him. He leaves behind his wife Brenda, his 96-year-old brother Travis Frailicks, his son and daughter-in-law Timothy Brian and Rita Jo Frailicks, his daughter and son-in-law Jan and Jeff Sosebee, his son and daughter-in-law Joel Allen and Melanie Frailicks, and his step children Walter Shoemake and Eric Shoemake. He was an amazing “Pops” to his grandchildren Elise Sosebee, Skoti Frailicks, Bret Frailicks, Ryan Frailicks, Tyler Frailicks, Wylee Shoemake, Morgan Koenig, and Madison Koenig.

He is reunited with his grandchildren Mitch Williams and Brandon Frailicks. Continuing his giving nature after his death, he willed his body to Texas A&M Health Science Center with the hopes that he could help students learn more about improving other’s health.

To honor Pete’s life, the family encourages donations be made to the American Lung Association. Pete’s family has planned a Life Celebration with great friends, great music, and great story telling from noon until 5 PM on Sunday, March 25, 2018 at King Oaks Pavilion.