Rudolph Darilek

Rudolph Victor Darilek Rudolph Victor Darilek was born during a rare snowfall just north of Shiner, TX, on December 7, 1921, the oldest child of Ludmila Svoboda Darilek and Herman Darilek. He passed away in Houston on September 8, 2016 at age 94. Rudy was raised in Moulton, TX, and attended Bauersville Grammar School. Afterwards, he ran "three miles straightaway" daily to attend Moulton High School, sometimes twice a day as he would return to the farm for chores before going back to school for basketball and other school activities. After graduation in1939, he hitched a ride on an egg truck to travel to Houston and work "for a little while" in the grocery business. He met his wife Celestine Veselka during a Paul Jones at the old SPJST Lodge # 88 in Houston and adored her instantly. They were married on Thanksgiving Day in 1942. He served our country at the Pacific front in WW II as a member of the 5th Engine Overhaul Squadron, 27th Air Depot Group in the US Army Air Corps. Afterwards, he returned to the grocery business at JMH Supermarkets where he stayed for 67 years and announced every working morning, "I'm off to the races." He and Celestine raised their large family in Houston in West University Place, but continued to farm the family homestead in Bauersville. He was the proud patriarch of 106 family members, calling his beloved wife "Beep," his eight children his "Popos," his grandchildren and great-grandchildren "Dolls" and "Cowboys." He claimed that beef was the key to a long life, and this, plus his optimistic nature, served him well. Humor and music filled our home, especially with his surprise gifts at Christmastime. He loved teaching his children about integrity, honesty, and truth through his farming activities and stories. His favorite pastimes included polka dancing with Mother and all their relatives and friends, fishing and trips to the country with his brother-in-law Quentin, watching sports with his family, and spending time on the farm "raising cattle and kids." He was a hard worker, was proud of his Czech heritage, was dedicated to his grocery business, and devoted to all of his family members. His kindness and generosity will be remembered for generations. Rudy is preceded in death by his parents; beloved wife of 72 years, Celestine; his newborn son, Robert; daughter, Joyce Lynn Stevenson; Brother Milton Darilek and his wife Ethel Darilek; and his sister Venice Darilek Kouba. Survivors include children: Rose Rohlfing; Jo Ann Dunlavy & husband Rick; Henry Darilek & wife Genie; Cora Nowak & husband Ted; son-in-law Terry Stevenson; Marjorie Nowak & husband Mike; David Darilek & wife Nan; and Thomas Darilek & wife Debbie. Grandchildren: Erica Rohlfing, Jonathan Rohlfing, Geoffrey Rohlfing & wife Laura, Tiffany Robinson & husband Evan; Brian Dunlavy, Carolyn Hubbell & husband Rob, Russell Dunlavy & wife Kelley, Sarah Parrish & husband Collis, Rachel Stice & husband Tanner; Daniel Darilek, Emily Darilek; Matt Nowak & wife Allison, Julie Granger & husband John, Mark Nowak and wife KC, Valerie Schell & husband Steven, Kathryn Nowak; Scott Stevenson & wife Beth, Charles Stevenson & wife Laura, Rebecca Stevenson, Elaine Riepe & husband Tim, Shelly Siler & husband Austin, Shirley Dees & husband Jordan, Randy Stevenson, Barbara Stevenson; Phillip Nowak & wife Carrie, Kevin Nowak & wife Katie, Tracy Nowak, Justin Nowak & wife Brenna; Jennifer Miller & husband Ray, Amy Hunter & husband Ben, Donna Darilek, Sandra Wallace & husband Michael; Dylan Darilek, Ryland Darilek, and Brenna Darilek. Great-grandchildren: Greta & Heidi Rohlfing; Luke Dunlavy, Jayden, Jared, & Jonah Hubbell, Reese Parrish, Reagan Stice; Carter, Anna Kate, & Ryan Nowak, Wells, Alex, & Gavin Granger, Ella, Andrew, & Nicholas Nowak; Jack, Will, & Sam Stevenson, Kelly & Everett Riepe, Anna Gray & Clara Joyce Stevenson; Jolly & Catcher Nowak; Rex, Ava, & Max Miller, Lilly & Beckett Hunter, and two on the way. In addition, treasured relatives Stanley Kouba, Cora Veselka Taylor, Matilda Veselka Moore, Henry & Delphine Veselka Novak, Johnnie & Dusty Veselka, and many other close relatives and friends. Rudy was a member of St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church of Houston and SPJST Lodge # 88 of Houston. He served as a Lodge Delegate for many years and was called upon many times to interpret and translate the correct grammar in Czech for SPJST. The family requests that donations be made in Rudy's name to SPJST Lodge 88 Scholarship Fund, 1435 Beall St., Houston TX 77008, St. Joseph Catholic Church, Moulton, TX, or a charity of your choice. Visitation was scheduled for Sunday, September 11 from 6:30-7 pm with Rosary held at 7 pm at St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church located at 6800 Buffalo Speedway in Houston. Funeral Mass was Tuesday, September 13, 2016 at the St. Joseph Catholic Church with Father Gabriel officiating. Burial was in the St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery. Words of comfort can be expressed online at www.smithfuneralhomemoulton.com Smith Funeral Home-404 West Bobkat Drive-Moulton, Texas 77975-Phone #-361-596-4631
Visitation and Rosary Sunday, September 11, 2016

Funeral Mass Tuesday, September 13, 2016