Frank Hackel
Frank Hackel, founder and owner of Hackel Motor Company in Marlin, Falls County, Texas - was a son of Peter Frank and Viola Elizabeth (Davidson) Hackel, who came to Marlin in 1906 with five children. Frank Hackel died May 7, 1972.In 1919, Frank Hackel married Stella Bob Farris (called "Bobbye") - a daughter of J. S. Farris. They reared her niece and nephew, Anna Lois Taylor, and James Allen Taylor - children of her sister, Betty Jo (Farris) Taylor, b ca 1903 in Olaton, Kentucky, d July 23, 1939 in a Dallas, Texas hospital following complications of surgery - a daughter of J. S. Farris, who came to Texas ca 1911 and settled near Waxahachie, Texas - subsequently settling in Dallas, Texas. The known children of Mr. and Mrs. J. S. Farris included Stella Bob, Betty Jo, and a son, Thomas Farris, who was residing in Abilene in 1939. Officiating at the funeral service in Calvary Cemetery in Marlin, from Adams Funeral Home, was Reverend George W. Owens, pastor of the Cockrell Hill First Baptist Church of Dallas.
Frank Hackel moved to Marlin with his parents, after having lived in Tyler, Beeville, and Corsicana. In 1927, he joined in a partnership with Mr. Will Turner, after having spent several years in the Rio Grande Valley, where he sold land. Turner and Hackel sold their business in 1931 to Mr. C. S. Tisdale; but Frank Hackel re-bought it from Tisdale's widow in 1932 - then calling the business "Hackel Motor Company" - a dealership for Chrysler and Plymouth automobiles. Later, the Dodge dealership was added, and the agency moved to the original location - continuing operation until retirement. "Bobbye" became bookkeeper of the business in 1932, continuing in this position until retirement. In 1944, Frank Hackel purchased the adjoining building; and in 1949, continued the business expansion by acquiring the St. John's Episcopal Church property connecting the business buildings. Farm machinery and other agencies were added, and he sold an interest in the expanded business to his brothers, Louie and Leroy Hackel.
Hackel Motor Company operated continuously under the same management longer than any other automobile agency in Marlin, and Frank retired after 36 years in the business. He received many honors of recognition. His sales district elected him to the Regional Chrysler-Plymouth Dealer Council as District Director, and he received numerous plaques, citations, and awards. In 1968, he received a certificate from Chrysler Corporation for a two-person trip to any destination in the United States.
Frank Hackel had been an active member of the First Baptist Church since age eight years, serving as Deacon from 1935, and also as a Chairman of the Board. For twenty years, he was chairman of the ushers, and chairman of visitation. In 1944, he built the cabin at Latham Springs for Christian church activities. He devoted much time to civic projects, including the Marlin Chamber of Commerce. He served as a Director of the Board of the Junior Chamber of Commerce, a member of the Lion's Club, advocator and member of the Board of Directors of Falconer Community Center, and sponsored a softball club in Marlin.
Stella Bob ("Bobbye" Farris) Hackel continued to reside in Marlin after her husband's death; and she died in 1986 after some years in a local nursing home.
The niece and nephew reared by Frank and "Bobbye" (Farris) Hackel were:
Anna Lois Taylor, who married William John Steele, Jr., and had two children. Anna received a B.B.A. degree from North Texas University, and a Masters degree from Baylor University in Waco. She taught in the Marlin Independent School District - in Marlin Junior High School and Marlin High School - until her recent retirement in 1986.
James Allen Taylor, is married, has children, and resides in Conroe, Texas. He received a B.A. degree from Texas University, and attended Law School. After serving in the U.S. Navy, he retired as Commander, No further information.
Some biographies from "Families of Falls County", compiled and edited by the Falls County Historical Commission.
Permission granted to Theresa Carhart by the Falls County Historical Commission, for use on this page.
