Frank Emil Sliva

Frank Emil “Blue” Sliva of Bay City, Texas, passed away on March 14, 2026, at the age of 93. A lifelong farmer, devoted family man, and loyal friend, Frank lived a full and meaningful life rooted in faith, hard work, and community.

Born on November 7, 1932, in Orchard, Texas, to Emil William Sliva and Annie Pisklak Sliva, Frank was the ninth of ten children. When he was two, his family moved to Bay City to farm with the Holub family. He attended Holy Cross Catholic School and graduated from Bay City High School in 1950. Soon afterward, he served his country in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. Upon his return to Matagorda County, he began farming rice alongside his brothers.

Farming was more than Frank’s livelihood; it was his calling. Honored twice as Matagorda County’s Outstanding Rice Farmer of the Year and later as Outstanding Soybean Farmer of the Year, he continued tending a garden at his son Paul’s barn long after retirement, supported by family and friends who knew how much it meant to him. He held especially warm memories of farming on the Wineglass Ranch, now operated by Paul, and cherished the family known as “The Girls” who owned it.

A hardworking man who led by example, Frank expected much from those around him and was remembered by the many young men who worked for him as a demanding yet caring taskmaster who could outwork them all. His Catholic faith, instilled by his parents, remained central throughout his life; his father had been one of two men who donated the land for Holy Cross Catholic Church, and Frank himself was a longtime parishioner and member of the Knights of Columbus.

Frank loved his family deeply and supported his children and grandchildren in all their endeavors. He and his wife Barbara formed a strong partnership, with Frank’s farming expertise complemented by her steady business management. The family created lasting memories during summers at Lake McQueeny with the Lowry, Quillin, Culbreth, Luedke, and Seidel families. Proud of his Czech heritage, he never missed an opportunity to enjoy poppyseed kolaches, a lively polka, or a cold beer with friends. He found joy in fishing, hunting trips in South Texas spent with lifelong companions, coaching and umpiring Little League Baseball, playing dominoes, and serving as the Kiwanis Club’s “Pancake Supper King.”

Frank was a man of integrity, generosity, and unwavering loyalty, known for his mischievous grin and the twinkle in his striking blue eyes. Those who loved him can easily picture him driving down a country road with the pickup window down, a cigar in his mouth, and a loyal dog in the back.

He was preceded in death by his parents and siblings Sylvester, Benjamin, Gilbert, infant Emil, Marie Robinson, Carmel Harrison, Gertrude King, and Anne Webber. He is survived by his beloved wife of 64 years, Barbara Broughton Sliva; daughters Allison Sliva (Mike Griffith) and Kristi Thibaut (Mark); son Paul Sliva (Leanne); grandchildren Cayce and Ethan Sliva and Christopher Thibaut; great-grandchildren Jackie and Alex; his younger sister Florence Saha; and many nieces and nephews.