Joe Pete Vrana, Jr.

Joe Pete Vrana, Jr., age 84 passed away Monday, November 21, 2016, at Cornerstone in Round Rock, TX. He was born in Granger, Texas, on Easter Sunday, March 27, 1932, to Josef Vrana and Marie (Cmerek) Vrana. He attended Palacky Elementary School and SS Cyril & Methodius Catholic School in Granger, TX.

Joe’s passion in life was family, farming and Czech music. He was a lifelong farmer, who also enjoyed carpentry and painting. His musical career started at an early age with a gift of an accordion from his uncle, Pete Cmerek. He learned to play without reading music, and soon was a talented accordion player. He played music for decades to the delight of many. Throughout the years, he performed in various local bands, including Frank Vrana and the Melody Five. Joe mostly enjoyed spending time with his family and most of all his grandchildren. Joe enjoyed watching all types of baseball, but was fond of the Chicago Cubs. He enjoyed watching and listening to Molly B and attending all area parish picnics.

He was drafted into the United States Army in 1953, where he served in the Korean War. After discharge, he returned to Granger to resume farming. He married Laura Ann Neidig of Elgin, on May 14, 1960. Together, they had 6 children and 11 grandchildren. He was a member of SS Cyril and Methodius Catholic Church, Knights of Columbus Council #4457, KJT #28 and SPJST #20 of Granger.

Joe was preceded in death by his parents, Josef and Marie Vrana, and brother, Alfred Jim Vrana. He is survived by his sons, Joseph and wife Jackie, Michael, Raymond, Marvin and wife Shellie, all of Taylor, Steven of Austin, and daughter, Carolyn Reynolds and husband Brian of Haslett. Grandchildren: J. Matthew & wife Mallory, Ashlee, Lauren, Joshua, Christopher, Elizabeth, Allison and Trevor Vrana, Logan, Luke and Landon Reynolds and his faithful dog Tucker.

Visitation will be held Friday, November 25, 2016 from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m., with a Rosary recited at 7:00 p.m., at Providence Funeral Home in Taylor.

Mass of the Resurrection will be held Saturday, November 26, 2016 at 10:00 a.m., at SS Cyril and Methodius Catholic Church in Granger, Texas, with Father Hilario Guajardo officiating. Burial to follow at Calvary Cemetery in Granger, Texas.

Pallbearers are J. Matthew Vrana, Joshua Vrana, Christopher Vrana, John Vrana, Mike Vrana, Ronald Vrabel, and Honorary Pallbearer, Tim Vrabel.

The family would like to give a special thank you to the doctors and nursing staff of Seton Williamson.