Daniel Frank Vanecek

Daniel (Dan) Frank Vanecek, age 87, passed away on June 1, 2019.  He was born on July 16, 1931 to George and Mary (Drozd) Vanecek in Sinton, Texas.  The family moved to Granger during his high school years and he graduated from Granger High School. He married Sybil Gola on September 15, 1952 at St. Cyril & Methodius Catholic Church in Granger.  He then joined the United States Army and served two years in Korea.  He owned and operated Dan’s Upholstery and Drapery Shop for over fifty years.  He was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church, the Knights of Columbus Council 1235, American Legion Post 39 and KJT.

Dan was a proud Korean War veteran. He was a hardworking, simple man who enjoyed polka music, visiting with friends, spending time with his family, and watching his children, grandchildren, and even great-grandchildren play sports.  He loved showing off his collection of hand carved tractors.  He was especially proud of his Czech heritage and enjoyed his morning visits to the Kolache Shoppe to converse in Czech with his very good friends Irene, Debbie and Cheryl.

He is survived by his wife of 66 years Sybil Vanecek of Taylor; daughters Susan Gray of Taylor, Peggy Marshall (Bill) of Las Vegas, Jeana Matetzschk (Rick) of Taylor, Barbara Lankford (Terry) of Henderson, sons Tom Vanecek (Michele) of Thrall, and Tim Vanecek (Donna) of Taylor.  He is also survived by thirteen grandchildren; Michael Hodge, Steven Rieger (Rosalyn), Brian Rieger (Darlyn), Ryan Leech (Teal), April Knapek (Justin), Aaron Vanecek (Audrey), Lindsey Rieger (Heath), Paige Cotner (Jed), Tyler, Kyle, Connor, Collin, and Kacie Vanecek; and seventeen great-grandchildren Mikey and Majical Hodge, Kylie, Daniel, Kayla, Cheyenne, Chloe, and Jackson Rieger, Maddy Phillips, Hayden and Kaleb Knapek, Devyn, Ayden and Evelyn Leech, Hudson, Brooks and Sadie Vanecek and Lane Rieger (due in July).

He is also survived by his sister Sybil Mokry of Round Rock, brother John Vanecek and wife Malinda of Huntsville, sister-in-law Margie Vanecek of Taylor, brother-in-law Albert Hajda of Taylor, sisters and brothers-in-law Helen and Fred Manning of San Antonio, Charles and Margie Gola of Liberty, and Linda and Ron Naizer of Midlothian.  He also leaves behind an enormous extended family that he loved and always enjoyed visiting with.

He was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers George Vanecek and Tim Vanecek, sister and brother-in-law Helen and Clifton David, brother-in-law Bob Mokry, sister-in-law Marie Hajda, and son-in-law Joe Dan Gray.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, June 5 from 5:00 to 7:00 PM with Rosary recited at 7:00 PM at Providence Funeral Home.  Celebration of Life Mass will be held on Thursday, June 6 at 2:00 PM at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Taylor followed by burial in St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery.  A reception will be held at the KC Hall in Taylor following burial services.

Grandsons will serve as pall bearers.

In lieu of flowers the family suggests memorials be made to St. Mary’s Catholic School, 520 Washburn Street, Taylor, Texas 76574.