Roll Call Tribute

Frank Donan Matthews, III 

September 20, 1949 - August 10, 2025 

Frank Matthews, 75, passed away on August 10th, 2025. He was born in Houston on September 20th, 1949, to the late Frank D. Matthews, Jr. and Betty Matthews.

Frank will be deeply missed by his wife, Ann; his son, Travis; his daughter, Jenny and son-in-law, Greg Starks and of course his good dog Dusty!!

Frank is also survived by his sister and brother-in-law, Ellen and Ron Muse; his brother Tommy Matthews and his wife Sheri; his brother Mike Matthews his sister Laura Matthews and his sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Sharon and Bill Marmaduke. He also leaves behind many beloved nieces, nephews, and extended family members.

Family was at the center of Frank’s life. He especially cherished time spent outdoors with them—whether it be hunting, fishing, boating, summer road trips or coaching his children’s baseball and softball teams. To those who knew him, Frank was a wonderful man: a loving and caring husband, a devoted father, brother, uncle, and friend.

After marrying Ann in 1970, Frank proudly served two years in the U.S. Army, where he taught Preventive Medicine to the troops. Upon his return, he continued his education at Texas A&M University, graduating in 1976 with a Bachelor of Science degree, majoring in Wildlife and Fisheries Science. In 1977, he began a long and meaningful career as a wildlife biologist and ranch manager on The Killam and Hurd Ranch in Laredo, Texas. Managing deer herds, studying the land, and sharing his knowledge through talks and written articles in the Laredo Times, Frank became widely respected for his expertise and his genuine passion for the brush country of South Texas.

Though his career later branched into the oilfield business and even films, appearing in productions such as The Alamo (2004) and American Outlaws and many others, his heart always remained with the land and wildlife. Frank continued consulting and working on the Killam ranch and also worked closely with Texas Parks and Wildlife, dedicating himself to the conservation of deer herds, wildlife and the stewardship of the land, especially the wild, wide open South Texas brush country.

Frank will be remembered for his passion, integrity, and generosity of spirit.

A celebration of Frank’s life will be held on his 76th birthday, September 20, 2025.