Darwin Franklin Labaj

Darwin Franklin Labaj passed away peacefully on Saturday, February 18, 2017 at his home in Round Rock, Texas. Dad graduated Valedictorian from Granger High School in 1947. At the age of 16 he attended the University of Texas and graduated in 1951 with a Bachelor of Business Administration Degree. Following graduation Dad was drafted in the US Army. During this time he met Alice Hodon, his “#1” or the “hottest chick in town” as Dad always put it…at a church banquet. Thankfully Mom did some “rearranging” of the name tags at their table, fixing it just so that Dad would sit beside her. After that day, Dad was hooked...constantly driving to Taylor to see Mom - then rushing back to Fort Hood to beat curfew. Dad married Mom in 1958 and went on to be an incredible provider, working as an Insurance Agent for Prudential for over 60 years. Dad made quite a name for himself in the industry as one of their top sellers consistently throughout his tenure...doing so all the while with the utmost integrity, never compromising his core beliefs and values. Mom and Dad went on to have (3) daughters. He was the true definition of a father, always positive and encouraging whether it was waking us up for school singing, “Oh What a Beautiful Morning” or by telling us he had a “direct line” to the good Lord whenever any of us were challenged or discouraged. If we had a big test in school he’d always tell us to “say a little prayer”...little did he know just HOW BAD we needed to pray before some of those… His encouragement is embedded in all of us and it was infectious to all who knew him. And boy did he ADORE his grandchildren and great grandchildren! He loved attending all of their sporting events and was their number one fan in everything they did. He was an incredible role model - showing them, through encouraging words and how he lived his life - how to walk in faith, live an honest life and to believe in themselves and their abilities. They LOVED their Pepa! Dad never met a stranger and could strike up a conversation with anyone, leaving them to feel as if they just made a true friend. He was as honest as the day is long and he had energy like nobody’s business, often times referred to as the “Energizer Bunny”. He never stopped and all he did was never for himself but always for others. His devotion to his family was extraordinary. Never had it been more apparent than the years leading up to Mom’s passing in August 2016. Dad, still working and terminally ill himself, would voluntarily stay up with Mom all night - many times literally laying on the floor beside her, refusing to sleep if she couldn’t sleep because of her pain. Incredible devotion and compassion. Along with all of these awesome things, Dad was also the world’s greatest Longhorn fan. Ever since we can remember his “good-bye” wave to us was the “hook‘em” sign...this always made the grandkids laugh as he’d walk along-side our cars waving the “hook’em” sign as we’d pull out of their driveway. He’d always say, “Longhorns never lose!” Dad was also, and most importantly, a strong, faithful and unwavering Christian. He was an active member of the Austin Brethern Church and later the Taylor Brethern Church serving on the Board of Elders and singing in the Men’s Choir. He LOVED to sing and we will so miss the soothing, sincerity in his sweet voice, but we know we’ll hear it again one day!

We would also like to offer a special heartfelt thank you to Diane Gleason for the unbelievable care she gave Dad in his decline following Mother’s passing. Any one person in the world could search their whole lifetime and not find someone like you...God’s hand was definitely in this. Along with us, Dad loved you so much and I know just like us - his heart is full of gratitude and we’re humbled to have you be such a huge part of this very difficult yet precious time in our lives.

Darwin leaves behind (3) daughters, Sandy Weaver (Granger), Linda and Rusty Saur (Comfort), Laura and Rickie Berg (San Antonio); (6) grandchildren, Cameron and Dawson Weaver, Adam and Travis Saur and Carly and Macy Berg; and (4) great-grandchildren, Kayla Weaver and Addison, Jack and Parker Saur; and many nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his wife, Alice, of over 57 years, parents Frank and Louise Labaj and brothers Milton and Edwin Labaj.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, February 22nd (6:00pm-8:00pm) at Providence Funeral Home, Taylor, Texas. The Funeral Service will be held on Thursday, February 23rd at 10:00am at the Taylor Brethern Church, Taylor, Texas with burial to follow at Granger Brethern Cemetery in Granger, Texas. A gathering to follow at the Taylor Brethern Church following the burial. Memorials can be made to the Taylor Brethern Church at PO Box 351, Taylor, Texas 76574-0351.