Born in Poteet and raised in Pleasanton, Atascosa County, Texas, Frank Andrew Tudyk, Jr., the eldest of two sons born to Frank Andrew Tudyk and Leola Gertrude Reinhardt, has died at the age of 86, leaving this life on January 7, 2026.

He began his journey of life on November 12, 1939 in Poteet. Standing tall as a pillar of the community in and around Pleasanton, a city he loved and devoted his life to serving, Frank was known to family and friends as "Butch" and to his beloved students as "Coach." He found joy in the wide-open spaces of South Texas and in the rhythms of everyday life. He treasured his regular visits with friends at Center Pharmacy, his time sharing coffee and conversation at Valero, and the simple peace of working cattle, riding his tractor, and caring for the land. These quiet moments reflected who he was --- grounded, genuine, and deeply connected to his community.

Butch started his life in service early by being the youngest Eagle Scout in Atascosa County to earn the prestigious award, for which he carried a lifelong pride. His dad, Frank Sr., had been the Scout Master of Troop 104 and produced several Eagle Scouts under his guidance, including both of his sons.

Butch graduated from Pleasanton High School in 1958, having been a student athlete. He soon embarked on his commitment to a life in service to others. After he graduated with his Bachelor's and Master's Degrees from St. Mary's University in San Antonio, he accepted his first professional job as Athletic Director and Head Basketball and Assistant Football Coach at St. Gerard's High School in San Antonio. It was there that he met his future wife, Joanella Doris Scheffler. After their wedding in 1964, they lived on the southside of San Antonio. Shortly thereafter, Butch took a job with La Salle High School as Athletic Director and Head Football Coach. His La Salle Falcons baseball team were state champions in 1967.  Upon leaving La Salle, the couple relocated to Pleasanton and raised their three children, Patric, Jeffrey, and Jennifer, on the family homestead ranch. Though they eventually took separate paths, their respect for one another endured.

Butch was a teacher and coach for many years, and his legacy as a role model and mentor lives on among those touched by his influence. Students recall his stories and advice, as well as his sense of humor. He even had a popcorn machine in one of his classrooms and served up popcorn during class.  After caring for his mother until her death in 2006, Butch was elected to a position on the Pleasanton School Board. There he served from 2006 until 2021, and was president from 2010 until 2020. During his time on the school board he was proud to help take Pleasanton ISD to the next level, being instrumental in a variety of community improvements and innovations that promoted education, safety, and the arts among others.

Butch's wide influence stretched outside his home region with coaching stints in Poteet and Charlotte as well as in Pleasanton.  During his tenure as PISD Board President, a bond election Butch helped to spearhead was passed and artificial turf was laid on the new elementary school's football field.  State Senator Judith Zaffirini introduced a bill in 2003 honoring Butch for his tireless work with "Santa Sack." The Texas State Senate, then, formally adopted Resolution 28 on January 21, 2003 at the retirement of his sixteen years of dedication to his Santa Sack project, wherein it was said in part, "WHEREAS, In 1987, during economically hard times in Poteet, he founded the Santa Sack project to provide a cheerful holiday to students and area children in need…Coach Tudyk has engendered a genuine Christmas spirit in the city of Poteet and has been an inspiration to countless PISD students…" Atascosa students and their sponsor, Coach Butch Tudyk, visited the Texas Capital every year, according to former Senator Zaffirini.  Butch valued hard work and a good education, traits instilled in him by his parents and imparted to his family. All of his children and grandchildren studied hard to obtain a college degree and become outstanding examples of his legacy.

He leaves behind many to mourn his passing, including his son Patric Anthony Kilcullen, Jeffrey Andrew Tudyk (wife Michelle "Mimi"), and Jennifer Kay King (husband William); grandchildren Katherine Bennett King, William Christopher "Will" King, Hailey Elizabeth Tudyk, and Tyler Andrew Tudyk. He is preceded in death by his parents, Frank and Leola, and brother Robert Louis Tudyk.

His family would like to express their deep appreciation for the outpouring of love from the community. They are grateful for all the stories and pictures shared. His presence in the community will be missed.

Services will be held on Thursday, January 15 and Friday, January 16 in Pleasanton. A visitation is scheduled for Thursday at Hurley Funeral Home starting at 3:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m., with a reciting of the rosary from 6:00 to 6:30 p.m. A celebration of Mass led by Frank's brother-in-law, Father Mark Scheffler, C.Ss.R., will take place on Friday beginning at 11:00 a.m., at St. Andrew's Catholic Church, followed by interment at St. Andrew #1.

Gratitude to the pallbearers, Gerald Guerra, Will King, Myron Repka, Gene Stevens, Arthur Troell, Carey Troell, Louis Tudyk, Martin Tudyk; and honorary pallbearers, Patric Kilcullen, William King, Jeffrey Tudyk, and Tyler Tudyk.