[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 185 (Wednesday, December 10, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E2373-E2374]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      HONORING JAMES FRANK POLLARD

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. KEVIN BRADY

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, December 10, 2008

  Mr. BRADY of Texas. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor a larger-
than-life Texan, James Frank Pollard. This afternoon in San Angelo, TX, 
Frank will be laid to rest. I ask my colleagues and all those present 
in the chamber to join me in offering their thoughts and prayers to his 
beloved family, daughter Lisa, son Jim, daughter-in-law Wendy, and his 
grandchildren, Charless and Sophia.
  Born to Charlie and Grace Pollard in Coleman, TX in 1931, Frank's 
ingrained Texan values, can-do spirit, and a healthy dose of pragmatism 
drove him to make his mark in many

[[Page E2374]]

arenas. A graduate of the University of Mines in El Paso and a member 
of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers during the Korean War, Frank jumped 
into the family business just in time to play an integral role in some 
of the most storied oil discoveries in Texas. A lifelong student, he 
always had a book handy to feed his quest for knowledge.
  It was during his wildcatting days that Frank embarked on the biggest 
adventure of his life--his 35-year marriage to Martha. They settled 
into the life of a west Texas ranching family moving to Fort Stockton 
and then Alpine to raise their three children. The tragic death of 
their oldest child, Mark, only served to strengthen the Pollard 
family's bond by encouraging them all to live every day to the absolute 
fullest.
  A man who could play devil's advocate on any issue, ``Daddy Frank'' 
was one of a kind. No matter the topic or the audience he could offer 
opinions and hold court. With a larger-than-life personality, he could 
enjoy himself in a roomful full of oilmen or children. He knew when to 
lead, when to inspire, and when to let someone learn their own lessons.
  If Hollywood had ever wanted to put a real Texas wildcatter and 
rancher on the silver screen, a casting director could have struck 
Texas gold with Frank Pollard. Always armed with a story, a joke, a way 
to draw people in, Daddy Frank was the epitome of the proud Texas 
wildcatter from the tips of his boots to the top of his cowboy hat, and 
we can all learn from his example of what it means to have Texas 
integrity.
  On December 6, Frank was reunited with his beloved Martha and their 
oldest son, Mark. He leaves behind for his family and friends a 
lifetime of Daddy Frank stories to tell and a legacy of the Texas 
spirit. Once again, I thank those in the chamber and all Americans for 
allowing me to share Frank's story of the importance of family, 
friends, and living life each and every day to the fullest.

                          ____________________