Frank Lipper Dover

Frank Lipper Dover passed away peacefully on March 22, 2018 in Houston, Texas, after 93 full years. He leaves behind a meaningful legacy as a devoted husband, beloved father, grandfather, loyal friend, successful businessman and admired role model. It can be said about Frank Dover that his was a life very well lived and well loved. He instilled in his family through his quiet, loving actions the value of integrity, hard work, honor, excellence and making a difference. He was a man who was humble, sweet and kind and in the words of his personal motto, " He will live on in in good deeds that bless other's lives and leave behind the heritage of his good name." Frank was born in Houston, Texas on July 20,1924 to Irene and Simon Dover. He grew up in Beaumont with one of his favorite childhood memories that of becoming an Eagle Scout. He attended the very first National Scouting Jamboree in Washington DC in 1937. He truly lived the Boy Scout Oath every single day of his life "Duty to God and Country, Duty to Other People and Duty to Self". He graduated from Beaumont High School and entered the University of Texas at 16 years old. He was active in Phi Sigma Delta and Naval ROTC while earning his business degree. In 1941, he enlisted in the United States Navy, assigned to the Pacific on the USS Windham Bay. He retired as Lieutenant Senior Grade and joined his father in the family business, Dover's Men's Stores. His greatest joy came from his marriage, in 1951, to Annette Miller from Isola, Mississippi who became his loving wife and soul mate of 67 years. Following the sale of the clothing business in 1961 he started Dover Investments, a real estate company, and later formed a long time partnership with Buddy Lefler. Together they developed and managed apartments, hotels and residential subdivisions in the Beaumont area until 1999,when the Dovers moved to Houston. He served and supported many community causes such as President of Temple Emanuel, Jaycees, March of Dimes, MHMR Human Development Center, Jefferson County Tax Appraisal District, Beaumont Savings and Loan, Shriners and many others. During his life, Frank faced many medical challenges from heart bypass surgeries to cancers and macular degeneration. He always displayed courage, strength, dignity, faith and a great sense of humor. One of his favorite sayings was there are three stages of life - youth, middle age and Gee, you are looking good. In addition to his priority of family time, Frank enjoyed stamp collecting, investing in the stock market, sports , history, current events, historical books, traveling and holiday celebrations. He felt one of his best going away gifts was getting to meet three great grandchildren whom he loved dearly. He was preceded in death by his parents Irene and Simon Dover, his sister Mary Dover Klein and granddaughter Melissa Rebecca Holliday. He is survived by his adoring family; his wife Annette Miller Dover; daughters and son in laws, Joan and Howard Katz of Fort Worth, Janet and Rob Holliday of San Antonio, Carolyn and Ron Bernell of Houston; grandchildren, Lori and Brad Sturman, Kaitlin and Brent Bernell, Katherine Bernell, Ryan Holliday and his fiancé Mary Catherine Jackson; great grandchildren Samson Sturman, Aubrey Bernell and Elizabeth Sturman; and caring nieces and nephews. The family wishes to extend thanks to all of the amazing caregivers especially Will Fuentes for his long term devotion and care. Thanks to his attentive and gentle character, Will became a special part of the family. Additional thanks to the exceptional team of medical doctors who added quality of life through their compassionate care. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to a charity of choice.

Frank Lipper Dover

December 20, 1924 - March 22, 2018