Leon Marek, age 84, of Bellmead, passed away Wednesday evening, March 10, 2021 at the VA Hospital in Temple.
A rosary will be recited at 6:00 pm Wednesday, March 17, 2021 at Bellmead Funeral Home Chapel with visitation to follow until 8:00 pm.
Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 10:00 am Thursday, March 18, 2021 at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Bellmead, with Rev. Timothy Vaverek officiating. Burial with Military Honors will follow at St. Mary Cemetery in West.
Leon was born in Penelope, Texas, the son of Frank and Mary (Kroulik) Marek. He was a 1955 graduate of Penelope High School. He enlisted with the United States Army in 1957 and was honorably discharged in 1963. On February 11, 1961 he was united in marriage to Katherine Macha of West. He and Katherine had just celebrated their 6oth wedding anniversary. Leon was a musician and loved playing and listening to country music. He began playing at an early age and he and his brother Eugene, as the Marek Brothers, were regulars on the All Star Country Road Show before he enlisted in the Army. He also played in various local bands. He instilled his love of music in his children and grandchildren, whom he loved dearly. He always looked forward to strumming his guitar and singing with them at family gatherings. Another favorite pastime was playing dominoes. Leon and Katherine owned and operated Marek Truck Repair for 25 years. After retirement, he devoted his time to taking care of his animals, doing yard work and playing the piano.
Leon was preceded in death by his parents; his sisters, Mary Marek, Lillie Marek, Albina Howard, Willie Mae Skerik, Josephine Kallus and his twin sister, Leona Kolar; and his brothers, Frank Willie Marek and Joe Marek.
Survivors include his wife, Katherine; son, Gregory Marek and his wife, Joyce; his daughter, Gina Kresge and her husband, Allen; his grandchildren, Chad Hutyra and his wife, Amy, Matthew Marek, Kristen Niekamp and Ryan Niekamp; his great-grandchildren, Nolan and Hope Hutyra; his brother, Eugene Marek and his wife, Betty; brother-in-law, Dennis Macha and his wife, Hattie; sister-in-law, Sally Macha; and many nieces and nephews; and a special friend who was like a daughter, Gail Sinkule.
Pallbearers will be Ronnie Skerik, Michael Marek, Thomas Kolar, Kenneth Kolar, Dennis Macha Jr. and Matthew Marek.
Honorary pallbearers will be his grandchildren.
Memorials may be made to St. Jude Children's Hospital or Red C Catholic Radio.
The family would like to express a special thank you to the Doctors, Nurses and veterans at the Temple VA Hospital.
Condolences(6)
Sam & Susan Shreffler
Robinson, TX Thursday, March 18, 2021 Gina, we apologize for not being able to be with you and your family today. We are praying for y'all as you remember your dad right now.Larry and Judy Marek
WEST, TX Thursday, March 18, 2021 Rest in Peace Uncle Leon. Many prayers for Kathy and the family.David and Diane Girard
Abbott, TX Wednesday, March 17, 2021 Our sympathy to the family.Sharon Kay
Emory, TX Wednesday, March 17, 2021 Kathy and family,Thinking of Leon brings a smile to my face! He always made me and my children feel so special. I miss him just knowing he's not with us. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Love you.
Betty & Johnnie Marek
HEWITT, TX Tuesday, March 16, 2021 We are so saddened to hear of Leon's passing, and want to send our thoughts and prayers to Kathy and family. May God keep you all wrapped in His loving arms during this difficult time.Andrea and Jeff Baker
Mart, TX Monday, March 15, 2021 Dear Kathy and Family,We are so sorry for your loss. Leon was called back to heaven. He is not suffering anymore. Remember the bond and band of Love cannot be broken and it will remain with you forever.
We think of you and keep you all in our prayers. Sending lots of hugs and greetings.
Love, Andrea and Jeff