Bernard Andrew Mokry

Bernard Andrew Mokry, 85, was born and raised in rural Granger, Texas on December 15, 1937, in eastern Williamson County. He was the third of nine children to his parents, Frank J. Mokry and Anna (Annie) Marek Mokry. He attended school at St. Cyril & Methodius Catholic School in Granger, and high school at St. Mary's Catholic School in Taylor, Texas.

In 1955, at age 17, Bernard left the family farm to join the USAF (US Air Force). He trained in Texas and Biloxi, Mississippi in Radio Communications and Tele-type with Morse Code. He was then stationed in the high mountains of Japan for two and a half years as an occupation force there. He was very good at his work and was promoted from enlisted man to Staff Sergeant during his time in the Air Force. Upon returning to Texas in 1959, Bernard applied for and was hired on the spot at his first interview as a Radio Operator & Dispatcher for the Texas Dept. of Public Safety (DPS).  Bernard later moved to DPS Division of Network Control Programmer where he continued to serve until retirement. In 2006 he received a plaque from The DPS Colonel, thanking him for 50 years of service for both his military career as well as his time with the DPS. It was the first 50 years plaque that the DPS ever gave. He continued to work for more than two and a half years after that.

Back in 1967, Bernard began a farming operation using his dad’s Super C Farmall Tractor.  By the 1980's, Bernard's farming operation was on a larger scale. He always loved raising cotton and milo. He utilized his sons, David and Darrell, as farm labor. Prior to 1979, his father, F.J. Mokry, assisted with the family farm endeavors. He actively farmed, with his son Darrell, through all the 1970’s until 2022. He always had Darrell to help him.

Bernard was an industrious person in general. He didn't like a quitter or one who wouldn't try to do better. His family roots ran deep with his uncles, aunts, and cousins. He usually entertained the family with gatherings at his residence east of Taylor.

On August 1, 1959, he married Shirley Ann Witte at St. Cyril & Methodius Catholic Church in Granger, Texas. Bernard and Shirley had three children, David Dwayne Mokry, Darrell Bernard Mokry, and Monica Lynn Mokry. They originally made their home in Austin, Texas, but on July 1, 1971, the family moved to a new residence on County Road 412, east of Taylor, Texas.

Bernard was a giving person; always wanting to try to help the people around him that he really loved so much. He did so very much with his wife Shirley to help their children in times of need. They were very faithful and devoted parents with the best of love and good intentions for their children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Bernard had the biggest giving heart someone could have. He loved his parents and all of his brothers and sister always and without exception or condition. When he saw a need he did what it took to make sure it was taken care of. Bernard loved his dogs, but Lacey was his favorite dog ever. His son, Darrell, gave her to him after losing a dog. His big heart was shown in how he took care of Lacey, he called her his baby-chek. Bernard liked old country music, polka music, and speaking Czeck.

By his faith in the Lord Jesus Christ his Savior, Son of the Most High God, he is now with him in heaven.

Bernard is preceded in death by his parents, Frank Mokry and Anna Marie Mokry; his brother, Alfred Joe, who drowned at age 15; his brothers, Frank B. Mokry, Gilbert W. Mokry Sr., and Raymond D. Mokry; his sister, Gertrude Ann Krenek (G'Ann); and a baby sister who died shortly after birth.

Bernard is survived by his wife of 63 years, Shirley Ann Mokry; sons, David D. Mokry and Darrell B. Mokry; daughter, Monica L. Mokry; brothers, Andrew Mokry and Alfonse Mokry; five grandsons, Nicholaus Mokry, Nathan Mokry (Sara), Jacob Mokry (McKynzie), Ethan Mokry, and Jordan Mokry; and one granddaughter, Bethany Marie Serna; 10 great-grandchildren; and many other relatives.

He was loved and will be missed very much!!