Frank Nuanes

One of Bandera's oldest Dancing Cowboys has seen his last Texas sunset. Frank "DOC" Gallegos Nuanes, who was 92 years and 2 months old, passed away peacefully on September 16th, 2015 in New Braunfels. He was was born in Salida, Colorado but had made Bandera, Texas his "Home Sweet Home" since 1987.\r\n\r\n"DOC", as we knew him, was the middle child born to Charles Nuanes and Lucilla Gallegos Nuanes, but when his parents passed, he was raised by his paternal Grandmother Donnacita Gallegos in Albuquerque, New Mexico. "DOC"s lineage comes from the members of his family that came from Spain in the 1700's and changed their name to Nuanes in the new world. As a member of the Nuanes family, he was also related to the Zuni Indian tribe in New Mexico. On his mother's side, "DOC" has ties to the Gallegos family who where among the first ranchers in New Mexico. "DOC" was a Veteran serving our country from 1942 through 1973. "DOC" joined and was part of the Army Air Corp from 12 Dec 1942 to 8 Sep 1945. During World War II he was in Morocco, Tunisia and Italy. "DOC" joined the Marine Corp on 23 Nov 1945 and served in China as one of Americas last China Marines until 22 Nov 1949. After his stint in the Marines, "DOC" then joined the US Air Force, retiring out of Lackland AFB 5 Oct 1966 and later from the Air Force Retired Reserves 14 Mar 1973. "DOC" held several jobs during his military career, but his favorite was as a Small Arms Instructor. During his time in the service, he married Elva Jara and raised children. After retiring from the service, he was a carpenter and an avid dancer, which eventually brought him to Bandera, where he adopted the Silver Dollar as his favorite place.\r\n\r\nIn Heaven "DOC" is reunited with his Grandmother Donnacita, his parents Charles and Lucilla, his brothers Charles and Anthony and his daughter Lucilla Donna Meloccaro McLain. All the animals and pets he ever cared for greeted him at the gates as well.\r\n\r\n"DOC" will be leaving an empty space in the hearts of his children: Jim Nuanes (and partner Marian), Jim McLain, Diane Nuanes Smith (and husband Ed), Charles Nuanes and in the hearts of his Grandchildren: Aaron (and wife Shantelle), Christina (and husband Jon), Anthony, Jennifer (and husband Calvin), Alex, Caroline (and husband Noah), Kiersten, and Katie. "DOC" was also a proud Great-Grandfather to Chelsea, Eden and Jayden and a Great-Godfather to Anaya Manuela. Besides his immediate family, "DOC" was also survived by adopted family members Komi and Christelle Zafoe from Togo, Africa. "DOC" also sponsored two sisters, Diana Carolina Nunez Diaz and Carolina Nunez Diaz from the Dominican Republic, through Children's International. "DOC" regretfully left behind his two dogs, Scooter (Jack Russell terrier) and Baby IV (Rat terrier), but they were adopted by a family member and are in good care.\r\n\r\nIf you would like to say goodbye to this Dancing Cowboy, there will be a memorial held on Saturday October 3rd, 2015 at the Bandera American Legion Hall (205 12th Street, Bandera, TX. 78003) from 1:00pm until 4:00pm, with the services starting at 3:00pm, when Chaplain Rhonda Robins will preside over the ceremony.\r\n\r\nFrank "DOC" Nuanes was a passionate animal lover, who routinely donated to a plethora of animal charities. In memory of his passion, if you wish please donate any memorials in his name to the Bandera Dog Fund (2252 Bumpgate Rd. Pipe Creek, TX. 78063 830-510-6559).\r\n\r\nThe family would like to extend their deepest thanks to the staff from Cima Hospice; for the short time he was in their care, they made a tremendous difference to "DOC" and the lives of the family. The family would also like to thank the staff at Eden Hill Communities and Bandera Rehabilitation Center for taking care of "DOC" while staying there.\r\n