Felix Frank Till
March 9, 1927-May 16, 2025
A great man left this world today—Felix Frank Till passed way on May 16, 2025, at the age of 98—humble and kind, hard-working, Mr. Fix-it, one of the good ones—that was Felix.
On March 9, 1927, Felix and his twin brother, Alfred, were born to Rudolph and Mary Till, at their home near String Prairie, Texas. They joined their six other siblings, Leo, Rudy, Albert, Marie, Nora, and Sylvester on the family farm.
Felix grew up playing and working on that farm and walking to school down the road in Delhi, Texas. During the summer of 1945, at age 18, he was drafted into the Army and reported to Fort Sam Houston in San Antonio. His intended destination was the Pacific Theater. However, following the surrender of Japan, he and his twin were stationed in Germany as part of the occupation forces. Following his service, he lived in Lockhart with his sister’s family and worked on his brother-in-law’s ranch outside of town.
While attending a weekend dance in Rockne, Texas, Felix met Gwendolyn Fohn and launched their infinite romance. Gwen was his sweetie. They danced that day, and for the rest of their lives. Polkas and waltzes were their specialties. They married on November 12, 1955, and started their family just one year later.
To support his growing family, Felix went to work at the Texas Highway Department in Lockhart. He worked there for more than 30 years, retiring in 1989. That led to his next job, Popo’s Playhouse, where he cared for several of his grandsons during their preschool years. The meal routines and playtimes were amazing to see. Beyond the daycare, he spent countless hours with all his grandkids. He enjoyed their many sporting and musical events and could be found laughing through tears as they all watched old videos of Tom and Jerry.
Felix was a very busy and involved parent. He enthusiastically supported his kids’ activities by being a leader in the Lockhart Band Boosters, Athletic Boosters, and 4-H clubs. He helped his kids (and their kids) raise rabbits for the local livestock show and produced many champion pens. Ultimately, his support resulted in the Livestock Show’s Friend of the Year award for himself and Gwen, as well as 4-H Gold Star awards and scholarships for his kids.
For over 40 years, Felix and his family, along with his twin’s family, would go camping at Driftwood, Texas, where they would spend the week floating down the creek, playing dominoes at the camp, and cooking over an open fire. Felix and Alfred especially loved preparing one of their great breakfasts, a highlight for all the campers. He and Gwen were also able to travel with family to see the 48 contiguous states as well as locations in Germany, Austria, and France.
Felix was a longtime parishioner at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, where he was a minister of communion and member of the Knights of Columbus. His dedication to service showed by delivering Meals on Wheels, working with the St. Vincent de Paul Society, and volunteering during the annual Jamaica and Knights’ events. His brown beans were legendary at many fundraising meals.
Felix was born with a green thumb. His backyard was always full of beautiful flowers and an abundant vegetable garden. He loved his bougainvillea. If you needed a plant brought back to life, you could just drop it off with Felix, and be confident to retrieve it, hearty and thriving.
Felix was a devoted sports fan. His TV remained on ESPN most of the day. He attended many Longhorn games and held season tickets to Lady Longhorns basketball for almost 30 years. He was also loyal to the Cowboys and could frequently be heard recommending that they “run it around the end”—never a fan of anything up the middle. Additionally, he was partial to Texas teams like the Aggies and the Bobcats, in support of his grandkids.
Felix is survived by his 5 kids: Julie Hitter, husband Robert, Randy Till, wife Rhonda, Sarah Schnautz, husband Doug, Mark Till, wife Amber, and Paul Till; 14 grandchildren: Haley Boyd, husband Willie, Ryan Hitter, wife Kaylee, Kendall Till, wife Brittany, Trent Till, Logan Till, Kelby Schnautz, fiancée Kalene, Cass Schnautz, wife Megan, Zane Schnautz, wife Jackie, Kendyl Cole-Wiggins, husband Jake, Joseph Till, Gwyneth Till, Sophie Till, August Till, and Levi Till; and great grandkids: Carson, Brody, Landry, Cameron, Cohen, Kelie, Chase, Lacey, and one more due in November. He is also survived by in-laws Elberta Fiebrich, husband David, Chrissy Koenig, husband Jimmy, Kenneth Fohn, and Laverne Till. He was preceded in death by his wife, Gwen, his parents, brothers and sisters, and his great granddaughter, Ruby Jo.
Felix leaves a tremendous legacy to his family. His unwavering faith, strong work ethic, and unconditional love will continue to inspire and direct our lives. Even in his final days, he was full of wit, wisdom, and gratitude. Special thanks to all the helping hands during the last year—Enia, Samantha, Storm, Bea, Kandess, Angie, Anna, and Gracie—you provided much needed comfort and respite, and you made everything “mighty fine”.
Gosh Dang, Felix—we will miss you. You and Gwen go dance the night away. We love you.
Family will receive friends at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Lockhart, from 5 – 7 p.m. on Monday, May 26, 2025, followed by recitation of the Rosary. Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, May 27, 2025, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church. Interment will follow at St. Mary of the Assumption Cemetery in String Prairie. Pallbearers will be his grandsons.
