John J. Valis

John “Johnny” Joe Valis age 80 of Taylor, peacefully passed away Thursday, March 26, 2015. He was born to John and Josephine Kubacak Valis on December 10, 1934 in Taylor, Texas.

John married Mildred Palla on June 4th, 1956 in Taylor, Texas. They renewed their vows on their 25th wedding anniversary. They were married 38 years until she passed away on March 17, 1995.
John later met and then married Lillie Krueger of Taylor, Texas on August 23rd, 1997. They were married until her passing on February 28th, 2012.

He grew up helping out on the family farm and later in his first marriage, bought a gas station in Taylor from his brother-in-law and operated it for several years. He then moved to Austin and got a job as a locksmith for Austin I.S.D. and retired after 25+ years. He also worked part time at a gas station.

John grew up surrounded by music. His father and uncles would let him sit in on jam sessions and taught him how to play several instruments including the accordion. This would later lead to John’s love of music and forming and playing in several Czech bands. He was a lifetime member of the S.P.J.S.T. Lodge 29 of Taylor and the K.J.T.#112 of Austin. He also enjoyed playing dominoes, bingo, dancing and trips to Louisiana to gamble with friends.
John made many friends in his lifetime and never met a stranger. John was a devoted husband, a loving brother, a caring uncle and a dear friend. He will be greatly missed.

He is survived by his sister Annie Klepac of Tomball, Texas. He is preceded in death by his parents John and Josie; his wife Mildred; his second wife Lillie; sister Mary Mazac; sister Dorothy Betak; sister Josie Gage; brother Louis Valis; and brother William Valis.

Pallbearers will be Tyler Betak, Daniel Klepac, Steven Valis, Richard Rumley, Justin Betak, Claton Lefner, and Steven Lefner. Honorary Pallbearers will be John Gage, Michael Kristoff, C.J. Betak and Michael Lefner.

Visitation will be at Providence Funeral Home in Taylor, Texas on Sunday March 29th from 1pm-3pm with the Rosary starting at 2pm with Deacon Marc Griffin officiating. Funeral services will be held on Monday March 30th at 3pm at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Taylor followed by burial at St. Mary’s Cemetery in Taylor with Father Lonnie Urban officiating.

Memorials may be made to St. Mary’s Catholic Church in lieu of flowers.