Frank Collazo, Jr., 92 years old, of Port Arthur, Texas passed away on Tuesday, December 19, 2023. He was born on June 10, 1931 to Frank and Antonia Collazo. He lived all his life in Port Arthur, Texas. Frank graduated from Thomas Jefferson High School and Lamar University. He was a member of Our Lady of Guadalupe Church.
Frank enlisted in the United States Army in 1951 as a Private First Class and served as a paratrooper with the 82nd Airborne Division until his honorable discharge in 1954. Frank began his career at Gulf Oil Refinery that lasted 24 years, but felt the urgency to serve the people of his community. The Honorable State Representative Frank Collazo, Jr. began his legislative career on January 1, 1977; departing the legislature on January 12, 1993; encompassing the 65th through 71st Texas Legislatures. Frank served on numerous committees throughout his tenure in the legislature. He established a reputation as a hardworking and effective lawmaker, giving voice to the concerns and interests of his constituents. During his time as State Representative, Frank was also an outstanding businessman, owning several local businesses.
He was a devoted Husband, Father, Grandfather, Great Grandfather and Great-Great Grandfather.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his beloved wife, Maggie; his brothers, Richard Collazo and Manuel Collazo.
Frank is survived by his children, Johnny Collazo and wife Debbie of Nederland, Texas, Robert Collazo and wife Joan of Nederland, Texas, Gregory Collazo and wife Monica of Austin, Texas, Missy Collazo Badeaux and husband John of Port Neches, Texas along with nine grandchildren, thirteen great grandchildren and two great-great grandchildren. He is also survived by his brothers, Jessie Collazo and Jerry Collazo; his sisters, Alice Flores and Susie Villareal as well as many special nieces and nephews.
A gathering of family and friends will be held on Wednesday, December 27, 2023 from 5:00 PM until 8:00 PM with a rosary to be prayed at 6:30 PM at Clayton Thompson Funeral Home in Groves. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Thursday, December 28, 2023 at 11:00 AM at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church in Port Arthur. Interment with Military Honors will follow in Greenlawn Memorial Park in Groves.
Serving as pallbearers will be Johnny Collazo, Jr., Justin Paul Collazo, Dylan Collazo, Frank Collazo, Steve Collazo, John Badeaux, Mick Hearn and Joe Mendoza. Honorary pallbearers will be Travis Hearn, Matthew Collazo, Raymond Rodriguez and Rylen Mirabella.