Mayor Seffrood passes away, services set
By LYNETTE SOWELL
Cove Leader-Press
Frank Seffrood, 79, mayor of Copperas Cove, passed away early Friday morning.
The City of Copperas Cove released an announcement on Friday afternoon, stating that Seffrood “unexpectedly succumbed to a brief illness” while at home with his loving family.
Seffrood was recently reelected to a second three-year term as mayor on Dec. 11. Prior to being mayor, Seffrood served on the city council for 6-1/2 years before being elected mayor in 2015.
Seffrood leaves behind his wife, Rita, of 55 years, and three children and three grandchildren.
Seffrood was born in southern Wisconsin in 1939 and served 23 years in the United States Army, retiring in 1979. He held an associate’s degree in computer programming and a bachelor’s degree in information systems.
After his retirement from the military, he worked for Central Texas College from 1980-1986 and the United States Postal Service from 1986-2010.
Dan Yancey, place 3 councilman and mayor pro tem, commented on the mayor’s passing.
“Frank was a good mayor and a good representative for Copperas Cove, and his leadership and guidance will be sorely missed,” Yancey said.
As far as what lies ahead for the city government, Yancey is optimistic for the future.
“We will be able to keep things going and I think we have a strong council, and certainly there will be an adjustment period but we will all get through it tougher.”
Others from beyond Copperas Cove offered condolences as well.
“On behalf of Beth, myself, and the entire Phantom Corps, our condolences and prayers are with Mayor Frank Seffrood's family, friends and loved ones today. Frank served our Nation for 23 years in the Army and was always a good friend to Fort Hood with a passion for helping our Soldiers and their Families. He will be missed,” said Lt. Gen. Paul E. Funk II, III Corps and Fort Hood commander.
Former Copperas Cove city manager Andrea Gardner shared her thoughts on working with the former councilman and mayor for nearly a decade prior to her resignation earlier this year.
“I had the privilege of knowing and working with Frank for close to 10 years. He was a caring soul that loved life and serving the citizens of Copperas Cove,” said Gardner. “On one of my trips back to Cove in October, I ran into Frank at H-E-B and we spoke for quite some time. The part of our conversation that speaks to Frank's kind and caring soul is he expressed genuine concern for my well-being and wanted assurance from me that I was doing well. I will cherish that last face-to-face conversation with him.”
A visitation will be held at Crawford-Bowers Funeral Home, 211 W. Avenue B, on Saturday, January 5, from 1 p.m. – 3p.m. and 6 p.m. – 8 p.m., and Sunday, January 6, 1 p.m. – 3 p.m. and 6 p.m. – 8 p.m. The Sunday visitation also includes a Rosary at 7:30 p.m.
A Mass will be held for Seffrood at Holy Family Catholic Church, 1001 Georgetown Rd., on Monday, January 7, 10 a.m., followed by interment at the Central Texas State Veterans Cemetery, 11463 State Hwy. 195, Killeen.
With the mayor’s position being vacant, next up for the city council will likely be a special election for mayor.
“Our City Charter, Article II, Sec. 2.07 outlines filling vacancies and specifically states in this instance that it shall be done by way of a Special Election,” said Kevin Keller, the city’s public information officer. “City staff will work with the city attorney to bring an item forward for city council review in the near future.”