Frank J. Chudy born, January 18, 1921 in Hazen, Arkansas to Vendeline and Julia Oslica Chudy who immigrated from Czechoslovakia. He was the oldest of six siblings. His parents both died when he was in his early 20’s, at which time he assumed care of his younger siblings as well as the family farm which his grandparents established in 1908. In 1942, he married his childhood sweetheart, Cecile Holmes. They were married 57 years prior to her death in 1999. He was a quiet man of few words and a dry wit. He was most comfortable in his church, St. Rose of Lima in Carlisle, Arkansas and on the farm.
He loved his family, son, Frankie and daughter, Nancy as well as all his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. The noise and laughter was music to his ears.
In his early years, he enjoyed hunting and fishing on his farm. After retirement from farming, he became skilled in wood working.
In 1994 his first great-grandchild, Taihlor, was born with a disability. He used his wood working skills to build devices which he had hoped would help mobilize her and give her some independence. He and Mamaw were probably two of the few who had a child’s car seat in their car to transport Taihlor back and forth for therapy.
He continued his wood working until just months before his death, enjoying each and every minute of it.
He was instrumental in establishing St. Rose Catholic Church from a little white frame building up to the modern brick building, hall, and rectory that it currently is.
He was preceded in death by his wife, as well as his two brothers, Ed and Wendell and sister, Evelyn Kempson.
He is survived by his brother, Connie and wife, Rook Chudy, and sister Adelaide Drotar. Frank is also survived by his son, lovingly called, Frankie and wife, Nancy of Carlisle, Arkansas and daughter, Nancy and husband, Teddy Burnett of Maumelle, Arkansas; grandchildren, Allison Chudy Roberts (Mark) of Denver, Colorado, Michael Chudy (Karla) of Woodland, California, Amy Skelton (Matt) and Erin Simpson (Drew) all of Conway, Arkansas, Katy Ferguson of hot Springs, Arkansas, Mike Shalmy (Kathy) of Las Vegas, Nevada, Amanda Liberatore (Marcos) of Fort Lauderdale, Florida, Elizabeth Meyer (Damon) of Little Rock, and Ben Burnett of North Little Rock, Arkansas.
His great grandchildren, the loves of his life, include, Taihlor, Sarah, Alex, Avery, Caroline, Anna Kate, Lauren, Kaley, Emma, Kyle, Kory, Hannah, Megan, Sarah, Christian, Eliana and Myles.
He is also survived by a most special niece Patricia Kempson Hagar of Nashville, Tennessee as well as numerous other nieces and nephews.
Visitation will be from 5:00 to 7:00 P.M., Monday, February 23, 2015 at the Westbrook Funeral Home chapel in Hazen. Visitation will be followed by Rosary at 7:00 P.M. Funeral services will be 10:00 A.M., Tuesday, at St. Rose Catholic Church in Carlisle, Arkansas. Burial will be in the Hazen Cemetery.
I am sorry you brother
Our prayers are with you. Frank was a wonderful example of what a Christian gentleman should be.
Frankie, I extend my condolences to you and the entire family.
Our prayers are with all of you. Mr. Frank was such a nice man. I know you will all miss him.
So sorry for your loss. Your family will be in our prayers. Mr. Frank was a very special man.
My heart goes out to Frankie, Connie, and Nancy. Frank was always there for support and remember hunting out on his place as a kid. Time passes and so do the Good people… Frank was one of the good ones and he will be missed.
What a beautiful family legacy. My thoughts are with you Allison
Our prayers are with you & the entire family. Mr. Frank was a special person & will always be remembered.
Hello Allison and family. Thank you for sharing this story of your grandfather.
I feel privileged that we had just talked about him on Tuesday. Your enitre family is in my thoughts and prayers. Mary Muldoon Weis
Our thoughts & prayers are with the entire family. We have many happy memories throughout the years of Frank & he will be greatly missed. So sorry that the weather is preventing us from attending the service.
Phil & Virginia Marak
So sorry for your loss. Sending prayers for the family.
Chery Marak Oliver
Nancy and family
I was so sorry to read about Mr. Frank. I haven’t seen him in many years but will always remember seeing him outside in his flowers by Hwy 249 when we were home. Take care and God Bless all of you.