Galyn “Frank” Rhymes, age 94, passed away peacefully on October 28, 2026. Please take a moment and share a kind thought or memory with Frank’s family at www.andersonbethany.com
On June 25, 1932, Galyn Frank Rhymes was born to Alvin Britton Rhymes and Iris Ophel Wilson Rhymes in Sipe Springs, Texas. Galyn graduated from Cross Plains High School at an early age and went on to earn an Associate of Science degree from Tarleton State College, now Tarleton State University, where he pursued his interests in Wildlife Biology and Animal Husbandry.
During his final time while he was in Tarleton, he went on a field trip into the deep interior of Old Mexico. He came back home sick with malaria. Somehow, he managed to smuggle a baby Coati Mundi and a bright yellow tree frog across the border back into the USA. He ran very high fever and was hot to touch. The only thing available to treat him was with quinine tablets and wet clothes. He was delirious during his worst period. (This was during the summer of 1950, and the Korean War had begun.)
Shortly after his recovery, rather than being drafted he joined the military.
On September 4, 1953, Frank entered the United States Air Force, serving during the Korean War era. He completed aviation cadet pre-flight training at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas. He was stationed in England and assigned to the 27th Armament and Electronics Maintenance Squadron under Strategic Air Command (SAC). He attained the rank of Airman Second Class and was awarded the National Defense Service Medal and was honorably released from active duty.
Following his military service, Frank pursued a career in the oilfields, where his mechanical aptitude, determination, and strong work ethic served him well. Eventually, his entrepreneurial spirit led him to establish Rhymes Drilling Co. in Roswell, New Mexico. For more than 50 years, he operated his water-well drilling business, building a livelihood through perseverance, experience, and an unwavering determination to do things his own way.
Frank was a man of remarkable intelligence, sharp wit, and fiercely independent convictions. Strong-willed and never one to shy away from expressing his opinions, he approached life on his own terms. An avid reader with an inquisitive mind, he possessed a lifelong appetite for knowledge and an interest in subjects far beyond his profession.
His was a long life marked by hard work, determination, independence, and a character uniquely his own. Those who knew Frank will remember his quick mind, distinctive sense of humor, and the strength of personality that made him unforgettable.
Frank was preceded in death by his parents, Alvin Britton and Iris Ophel Rhymes, and son Jonnee Galyn Rhymes.
He is survived by brother Max Rhymes of Richardson, TX; sister Peggy Gaverly of Virginia Beach, Virginia; sons Frankie Rhymes of Tyler, Texas; Chuck Hummer and wife Nancy of Phoenix, AZ; Jay Irvin and wife Pebbles of Roswell, NM; Tony Irvin and wife Peggy of Llano, TX; and daughter Esther Rullan of Roswell, NM. He leaves behind numerous grandchildren, great grandchildren, and extended family members and dear friends. He is also remembered with love by former wife Rita Rhymes.
There was an Honor Guard Graveside service held at General Douglas L. McBride Roswell Veterans Cemetery located within South Park Cemetery 3101 S. Main St. Roswell, NM, on Friday, November 6, 2026, at 10:00am. A special tribute to Frank’s life was shared by his close and personal friend, Steve Seegers of Marfa, TX, who delivered the eulogy.
The family wishes to express their heartfelt gratitude to the special friends who showed Frank kindness, care, and genuine concern throughout his later years. Sincere appreciation is also extended to ExcelaCare Home Health and Hospice and to the staff of Heartfelt Manor Assisted Living for their compassion and dedicated care during his final days.
To all who touched Frank’s life with friendship, kindness, and compassion, your thoughtfulness will always be remembered with gratitude.
When the Raven Calls Me Home
For My Grandfather
When twilight falls upon the land,
And shadows stretch across the sand,
When weary eyes grow dim with night,
And stars surrender all their light,
I hope you know, before you go,
There are some things the years can’t sow,
Nor time erase, nor death undo,
The love I’ve held, the love for you.
For every tale the years have spun,
For every battle fought and won,
For every laugh, each word you spoke,
Each quiet truth, each timeless joke,
You leave behind more than your name,
More than a photograph, more than fame.
You leave a piece of who I am,
A living ember, a steadfast flame.
And should the raven come one night,
To call you from this mortal light,
Do not fear the darkened door,
For you have been here once before—
In every sunrise, every tree,
In every road that calls to me,
In every lesson life imparts,
You’ll walk beside me in my heart.
And though the grave may claim its due,
And heaven hide its face from view,
No earthly darkness, deep or wide,
Can take the love you leave behind.
So rest, dear Grandpa, when you must,
Let time return your bones to dust.
For those who love you will always know,
That death is not the end of those
Who plant their courage in another,
Who leave their wisdom for a brother,
Who shape a life, then quietly depart,
Yet live forever in another’s heart.
And if one night, beneath the moon,
I hear the raven’s mournful tune,
I’ll lift my eyes into the blue,
And whisper softly, “Grandpa, I remember you.”
