Harry Frank Severn, Jr.

Harry Frank Severn, Jr. was born in Austin, TX on September 4, 1931. He passed away on Friday, July 5, 2024, at Brookdale Westlake Hills in Austin, TX. He was preceded in death by his wife Jean Gaylen (Reid) Severn of over 73 years, his mother Elva (Rhodes) Severn, and his father Harry F. Severn, Sr.

Frank grew up with horses and was a very accomplished horseman for most of his life. His father took him fishing, deer, and dove hunting and he enjoyed the outdoors lifestyle. His mother and father bought, built, remodeled, and sold many properties in and around Tarrytown, Enfield, Pease Park, and present-day Westlake Hills moving him many times as a boy. He also had his musical band at a young age, and as a Country Western Swing guitarist/singer, he turned down an offer to "go pro" on the road, deciding to stay home, work, and help raise his children.

Frank graduated from Austin High School in 1948 where his summer of '48 Austin Buddies baseball team came within two outs of going to the American Legion Little World Series Finals. He then went on to Southwestern University in Georgetown, TX lettering as a pitcher and third baseman and also was a member of the Kappa Alpha Fraternity. It was at Southwestern where he met and married his beautiful wife Jean in 1951. Upon graduating in 1952 with a Business Administration Degree, they resided in Austin for the rest of their lives where they raised their family.

After a short time with Western Auto, and turning down a promotion to move to San Antonio, Frank joined his father in the gasoline trucking and distribution business. He later owned and operated H.F. Severn & Son, Inc., a uniquely successful intrastate tank truck carrier of gasoline, diesel, and jet fuel leasing to Petro Chemical Transport, Inc. for almost 40 years. He also was a real estate broker for over 28 years focusing primarily on farm & ranch sales.

Frank & Jean owned their beloved Severn Family ” Star S” Ranch in Hays County between Dripping Springs and Wimberley, TX hosting their family and friends to many outings for over 34 years. Later, they enjoyed their scenic “Star S” Mountain Ranch at Panther Creek in Driftwood, TX, Hays County, and their weekend Blue Lake home on Lake LBJ in Horseshoe Bay, TX, Llano County. He also managed the family farm business in Wharton County.

Frank's hobbies included player and manager on the Austin Kats semi-pro baseball team, coaching Little League baseball as a member of the South Austin Optimist Club, and longtime season ticket holder to UT baseball. He continued singing and playing country music, deer and bird hunting in Brackettville, Spofford, and Fowlerton, TX, fishing on Falcon Lake and at Port Aransas, and boating with friends and family on Lake Travis, Lake Austin, and Lake LBJ. He and Jean were original golfing and social members at Lost Creek Country Club (now Westlake), and later was a member of the Austin Seniors Golf Association. He could also be found most Wednesdays playing dominos with his closest friends for many years.

Frank and Jean were original Founding Charter members of St. Mark's Episcopal Church in 1958 where he served on the vestry as Jr. Warden, treasurer, usher team, and men's church group until the last few years when their health prevented them both from attending regularly. They enjoyed many wonderful trips with their church family friends. He also furnished firewood for many years from his Hill Country ranches for the annual St. Mark's Chicken BBQ.

Frank "Big Man" Severn (a hunting buddies nickname) was a man of honesty and integrity his whole lifetime. He kept up with many of his "old Austin" friends and family's birthdays, anniversaries, surgeries, etc. He was a very detailed book and record keeper and always taught his children to take "pride in ownership” of their most valued possessions. Dad's favorite song was Faded Love by Bob Wills and his favorite movie was Lonesome Dove.

Harry Frank Severn, Jr. was a loving father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He is survived by his son H. Frank Severn III and wife Joanne, son Steve Severn and wife Donna, and daughter Vanice Severn. Also, by "Poppo's" four grandchildren Kaley (Michael), Chris (Annie), Jeff (Anna), Preston, and six great-grandchildren Ruby, Campbell, Travis, Moses, Dylan, and Sam.

The family would like to thank the entire staff at Brookdale Westlake Hills Senior Living, especially Luci Castillo and her staff, companion Leticia Valdez, and Hospice Austin and Christopher House for the care and compassion they showed Frank for several years and during his final days.

Family and friends are invited to attend memorial services and a celebration of life at St. Mark's Episcopal Church 2128 Barton Hills Drive Austin, TX 78704 at 11 a.m. on Saturday, July 20, 2024. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to St. Mark's Episcopal Church.