CHARLES F. “FRANK” QUAILA 1919-2015
Charles F. “Frank” Qualia peacefully passed away June 13, 2015 in Midland, Texas. Born on September 5, 1924 in Austin, Texas, Frank was the son of Charles B. and Jeanne Qualia. He was raised in Lubbock, Texas and graduated from Lubbock High School. He then joined the United States Army Air Corps in 1943 and graduated from air navigation school in early 1944.
A decorated veteran of World War II, he was a member of the 307th Bombardment Group of the 13th Air Force, serving in the South Pacific Theater of WWII. After the war, he returned to Lubbock, where he met Bogan Sneed, the love of his life. Before leaving for Austin to attend the University of Texas, Frank asked Bogan to wait for him, which she did. In 1949, he graduated with a B.S. degree in Petroleum Engineering. Frank returned to Lubbock and married Bogan on April 22, 1950. They moved to Midland where their four children were born and he began his distinguished career as a Petroleum Engineer.
In 1973, he became an independent oil and gas operator. Frank loved the outdoors, wildlife, and nature. He was a man committed to faith, family, and friends, and his humor was quite contagious. He is survived by his daughter, Mary Ann Qualia and her husband Michael Martinez, Charlie Qualia and his wife Beth, Frances Betts and her husband Blake, and Patty Sides and her husband Fred, and their son Cooper. He is also survived by his many cousins, nieces, and nephews. He was preceded in death by his loving wife, Bogan; his parents; his sister, Alice Weaver; and his brother, Jimmy Qualia.
For all the years he lived in Midland, Frank was a devout Catholic and faithful member of St. Ann’s Catholic Church. The rosary was recited in the chapel at Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home at 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, June 17, 2015. A Mass was held at St. Ann’s Catholic Church beginning at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, June 18, 2015, followed by interment at Resthaven Memorial Park. Pallbearers are Cooper Sides, Steve Weaver, John Weaver, Fred Sides, Michael Martinez, and Blake Betts.
The Qualia family received family and friends to honor and celebrate the life of Frank, at the Midland Country Club at 12:30 p.m., on Thursday, June 18, 2015. Our heartfelt thanks to his physicians, Nurses, Unlimited staff and care givers, and Hospice of Midland.
In lieu of flowers, you can make donations to: St. Ann’s Catholic School scholarship program, Hospice of Midland, or your charity of choice.
