RIP Frank Denius - a true Longhorn legend

Frank Denius: 1925-2018. Athens, TX.

A Longhorn football fixture, a great man, a war hero, a generous philanthropist, and a true Longhorn legend. I hope you’ll read this interview by the Veterans Project to get some sense of the man and what he experienced. Kirk Bohls also wrote a fine article offering some insight into the man.

Denius was one of the most highly decorated American soldiers in the European theater; arriving in France on Omaha Beach on D-Day. He earned four Silver stars (and holds the Legion of Honor - the highest honor one can achieve in France) as a forward artillery observer working behind German lines, was wounded twice in action, survived hell and several months of unceasing combat, returned to Texas, got his UT degree after enrolling as a 20 year old freshman, went into law, had a tremendously successful career, and then spent the rest of his life giving back to the city of Austin, state of Texas, our university (he has been a generous contributor at Texas and several other universities) and the country that he loved.

After examining his life, it’s hard not to feel an overwhelming sense of gratitude for his service in all of its forms. When you walk into Memorial Stadium, it’s men like Denius we’re honoring and remembering.

Thank you, Frank. Hook ‘em.