Frank A. Lilley

Well-respected Roswell resident Frank A. Lilley, 71, died Wednesday, May 13, 2026 in Lubbock, Texas, after an extended battle with Lewey Body Dementia. Lilley and his wife Jolene (Waggoner) were married for 53 years and were a fixture in Roswell for most of that time.

He was best known for his involvement in Roswell and southeast New Mexico youth sports. He was his four sons’ baseball coach from 1980-93, leading them to two Little League state championships. All those years he maintained the Noon Optimist field in pristine condition. He continued coaching other youth teams, including those with his children and nephews on the roster, until 1998. He would arrange tournament entries, schedules and travel for the teams. He gained influence with New Mexico college baseball coaches. He refereed high school and junior college basketball and football games throughout southeast New Mexico and West Texas for almost 40 years, becoming famous (and infamous) in that realm. Jolene was her husband’s and sons’ biggest fan, attending games religiously and keeping the scorebook.

A product of Goddard High School, Lilley graduated from New Mexico State University in 1976, the second of eight siblings to hold an NMSU degree. He worked in Albuquerque after graduation for two years before moving the family back to Roswell and embarking on his successful career as a life and health insurance agent and financial advisor. He started as an agent for Lincoln Financial, and for the last 30 years of his 40-year career ran the independent Lilley Financial Services. He was a certified LUTCF advisor. The Lilleys moved to Lubbock four years ago and built their dream home, which he enjoyed until his illness incapacitated him.

Lilley was born in Roswell on October 9, 1954, to Jim and Pat Lilley. He is survived by his wife Jolene, sons Marc (Lisa) of Scottsdale, AZ; Matt (Danielle) of Lubbock; Tim (Tashina) of Parker, CO; and Scott of San Antonio, TX; grandchildren Brock, Macie (Jake), Madison (Jake), Henry, Lucas and MiKaylie, and great-grandchildren Olivia and Grayson. He is also survived by siblings Joe (Sue), Michael (Diane), Chris (Jerra), Tom (Cathy), Ann Jaramillo (Mike), Dan (Lisa), Monica Reynolds (Chris) and Kay, as well as brother-in-law Will Waggoner (Cecille), and 85 nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents, granddaughter Brianna, brother Jess (Bernadine) and parents-in-law (Dick and Lynn Waggoner).

Lilley was humble and never sought recognition or awards. He simply did what he loved – caring for his family, sharing with friends and making his community a better place. Lilley was dedicated to his faith, as well as his family. He and Jolene were members of Assumption Catholic Church for decades, where he served on the parish council. His faith carried him through familial tragedies, including the near fatal wounding of his son during the Iraq war. After those tragedies, he became the most kind and caring person one could be. His family was paramount, not just his wife and children (and their children’s children and children’s children’s children), but his siblings and their offspring as well. He never hesitated to help family members.

Lilley also was instilled with two traits – the Lilley work ethic and exercise. He started working in the family yard-mowing business at age 10 and never stopped working – at home, on the job or other activities. He played rec and church league softball and basketball for years, particularly his seven years with the Schrimsher Brothers softball team. He worked out every day for decades, and ran/walked the Bataan Memorial Death March seven consecutive years. He could be found at the gym, maintaining his health and figure. He will always be in our minds and hearts.

The Lilley family gives special thanks to caretakers Amaya, Teresa and Helene, and Interim Hospice of Lubbock for their assistance to the Lilley patriarch during his illness.

A funeral mass will be held Thursday, May 21, 2026 at 10:00 a.m. in Lubbock at Holy Spirit Catholic Church. Inurnment will take place at a later date in Roswell. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Lewey Body Dementia Association, www.lbda.org/donate or at 912 Killian Hill Rd. SW, Suite 105, Liburn, GA 30047.