Frank James Karaffa

Frank James Karaffa October 20, 1922-May 7, 2013 Frank Karaffa of Waco passed away Tuesday, May 7, 2013, after a long illness. Memorial services will be 2:00 p.m., Saturday, May 11, at Wilkirson-Hatch-Bailey Chapel with the Dr. Hulitt Gloer officiating. There will be a reception following the memorial service in the Garden Room. Frank Karaffa was born Oct. 20, 1922, in Elkhorn, Wisconsin, to Louis and Lillian Jakes Karaffa, the last of four children. Upon graduation from the local high school, he enlisted in the United States Army Air Corps and served as an Aircraft Engine Instructor throughout World War II. At the end of the war, he enrolled in The University of Texas, earning the Bachelor of Science in Physical Education in 1951 and the Master of Science in 1958. He played minor league baseball for a time in south Texas before joining Dallas Independent School District as teacher and coach. In 1959, he was invited to join the Physical Education Department at Baylor University where he taught until his retirement in 1986 as Professor Emeritus. During those years he earned the Doctor of Education degree in 1973 from Baylor's School of Education and was active in student affairs. Among those activities was faculty sponsor of DAPs sorority, later known as Kappa Alpha Theta. He was a member of Lakewood Christian Church where he served as Deacon and Elder. His volunteer activities included support and service to local organizations such as McLennan County Association for Retarded Citizens, the Republican Party, Baylor University Credit Union, and Meals on Wheels. He was a Mason for over 60 years. He was married to Gene Giffin in l954. She preceded him in death in 1980. In 1982, he married Ann Williamson. He will be remembered by many of his friends for his love of the outdoors, enjoying many years of fishing and hunting. He is survived by Ann, his wife of thirty years; his children, Jim Giffin and wife, Pam, of Southlake, TX; Patti VanValkenberg and husband, Dave, of Northridge, California; Marti Giffin of Grand Prairie, Susan McKamie and husband, Mark, of Crawford; and Frank James Karaffa, Jr. of Mexia. He is also survived by Ann's sons, Tim Williamson and wife, Stacie, and Mike Williamson and wife, Kathi; grandchildren, Cristina VanValkenberg Mattey and husband, Dave, Max Giffin, Jack Giffin, Drew Williamson and wife, April, Grant Williamson and wife, Courtney, Camille Williamson, Paul Williamson, Laurel Ann Williamson; and one great grandchild, Mata Shay Williamson; as well as several nieces and nephews. For 54 years he was known for his unconditional love and tender loving care of his beloved son, Frankie, who survives him. Those desiring may make memorials to the Association for Retarded Citizens of McLennan County, P.O. Box 3367, Waco, TX, 76707 or to the charity of your choice. The family invites you to leave a message or memory in our "Memorial Guestbook" at www.WilkirsonHatchBailey.com.