Henry "Frank" Franklin Zey

Henry Franklin “Frank” Zey, 83, of Benton, Louisiana was born April 19, 1941, in Dayton, Ohio, and passed away peacefully at home, with family at his side, on Thursday, August 15, 2024. 

Frank graduated from Homer High School in 1959 and Louisiana Tech University with a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering in 1964. Frank married his High School Sweetheart, Jimmie Raye Owens on June 6, 1964. Frank had a long career with Mobil Oil as an electrical engineer in Texas and Kansas. He transitioned into management roles in New York City and Canada serving as Vice President of Supply and Transportation at Mobil Oil Canada, President of South Saskatchewan Pipeline, and President of Rainbow Pipeline. His final years with Mobil were served as Vice President of Crude Oil Operations of North America in Fairfax Virginia. Frank retired in June of 1996 and returned home to Louisiana in February of 1997. 

Frank and Jimmie made their retirement home with family and friends residing on Cypress Lake in Benton, Louisiana. Frank immediately became active volunteering his time with expanding the “CBB” Cypress Black Bayou Water System to accommodate the area's growth. Frank was an active member of St Jude Catholic Church, serving on the Finance Council, Building Committee, and Eucharistic Minister, and delivered meals for Super Saturdays. Frank was honored to receive the Diocesan Medal of Honor on April 17, 2005, for his dedication and service to the community and the Catholic Church. This award held special meaning to him, as both his mother and father had received this recognition. 

Frank enjoyed nothing more than spending time with his family, which was evident in his years of coaching his children in such sports as soccer, hockey, and basketball. Frank enjoyed his time in the outdoors hunting, fishing, golfing, boating, and hiking. He loved to water ski and even skied on his 70th birthday. Another one of his passions was food, always cooking something on one of his many grills for family gatherings. Frank was a lifetime learner who never met a stranger due to his curiosity.

Frank is preceded in death by his parents, Henry and Alene Zey, and his daughter, Cheryl Lynn Zey. Frank is survived by his wife, Jimmie, of 60 years; his daughter, Elizabeth (Beth) Prater, and her husband, Keith; his son, David Zey, and wife, Rebecca Zey. Other survivors include grandchildren, Cori Meredith and husband, Blake, Colton Prater, Lynnse Hyde and husband, Ben, Kaliegh Zey, Dawson Zey, McKenzie Beck, Riley Zey, and Hayden Zey. He has one great-grandchild, Annie Foster Hyde. He is also survived by his five siblings, Mary Zey, Betty McClung, Joyce Dowies, Jim Zey, and Rose Butcher as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

The family suggests memorials may be made to St Jude Catholic Church of Benton Louisiana, 4700 Palmetto Rd., Benton, Louisiana 71006, or a charity of one’s choice.