Frank Hamer, Jr.
1918 - 2006

The Texas Ranger Hall of Fame and Museum is sad to report the passing of Frank Hamer, Jr., former Special Ranger and son of Texas Ranger Hall of Fame member Francis Augustus “Frank” Hamer.

Frank A. Hamer, Jr. was born April 11, 1918, in Pasadena, California, to Frank and Gladys Hamer. (The family was on a much-needed vacation and had just spent time in Hollywood where Frank, Sr. had become good friends with actor, cowboy Tom Mix.)

Already a licensed pilot when he joined the US Marine Corp during World War II, Frank, Jr. served as a pilot and a pilot instructor. Then, from 1948 into the early 1950s, he became a Special Ranger, working as a bodyguard, first to Texas Governor Beauford Jester, then to Governor Allen Shivers and his family.

When a job opening for a pilot in the Texas Fish and Game Commission gave him to opportunity to return to the open skies, he asked Shiver’s permission to apply. For the next 30 years he worked as a pilot with the Commission, which became the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department in 1963.

After his retirement from Parks and Wildlife in 1980, he lived in San Marcos, Texas. He enjoyed traveling to area gun shows with friends. He also enjoyed telling stories about his time with Governor Shivers, his love of flying, and talking about his famous father. He passed away on September 18, 2006, at the age of 88. He will be missed.