Edward Eugene Michalik

Edward Eugene Michalik, age 94, of Granger, peacefully passed away on Wednesday, October 7, 2020, in the loving care of Will-O-Bell nursing home in Bartlett, Texas.

Edward was born at home in Taylor on September 28, 1926, to Frank Michalik, and wife, Agnes Michalik who had immigrated to this country from Czechoslovakia in the early 1900's.

The Michalik family established a farm homestead near Taylor where Edward attended Circleville School through ninth grade, speaking only Czech, and then transferred to Granger High School, where he quickly learned English and graduated three years later.  He then hitchhiked to Austin and entered the University of Texas, where he graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Education followed by a Masters Degree in Education.  He also continued to enhance his learning by attending various colleges across the nation during the summer months throughout his career.

Edward met his late wife, Virginia, at a co-ed softball game at Round Rock High School, and that was the beginning of their seventy-one year loving relationship in which they experienced good times and hard times with an abundance of love and blessings.

Edward began his educational career after completing two years of college, teaching in Round Rock, Thrall, Ganado, and eventually moving back home to begin a 38 year career in Granger ISD as a teacher, coach, principal and administrator. He loved working with children in Granger ISD and was an influence to many.  He eventually retired after 42 years in education, and upon his retirement, the community honored him by proclaiming May 20, 1986, as  "Mr. Edward Michalik Day".  He was well known by all for his academic and extra- curricular  standards he had set for himself as well as his students. In addition to his career in education, he was a devout supporter of the University of Texas and was honored for 50 years of service as a Football Stadium Supervisor by the athletic department.

Edward enjoyed working on his farm in his spare time, where he had lived for over 70 years, raising mainly sheep and working the land.  He continued his love for athletics by going to his family's sporting and extra-curricular events. Upon his retirement he enjoyed traveling with his wife and vacations with his family.  Edward was very dedicated to his family and loved every minute he shared with them.   He was a loving grandfather to six grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren. He was also a long standing member at the First United Methodist Church of Granger for over 60 years.

Edward was preceded in death by his spouse, Virginia Michalik; his parents, Frank and Agnes Michalik; and his grandson, Ryan Eugene Grace. Survivors include his brothers, William "Bill" Michalik and Tony Michalik, both of Granger; his children, Beverley Ann Grace and husband Craig of Taylor, Patricia Lynn Polasek and husband Gilbert of Granger, and Leslie Eugene Michalik and wife Teri of Granger;  grandchildren, Darryl Wayne Polasek (Amanda) of Thorton, Brian Wayne Polasek (Meggan) of Grandbury, Jenna Lynn Barbiaux (Wade) of Granger, Daniel Eugene Michalik (Tiffany) of Granger, Chelsey Ann Ellison of Granger; great- grandchildren, Madison Grace Aranda of Hutto, Peyton Morning and Paisley Kay Polasek of Thorton, Ilene Ree and Bella Grace Polasek of Grandbury, Jessi Lynn and Kennoa Jean Barbiaux of Granger, Brody Layne, Aspyn Faith and Gracelyn Ivy Michalik of Granger and Ryker Kane and Keaton Kai Eugene Ellison of Granger.

Pallbearers include Daniel Michalik, Darryl Polasek, Brian Polasek, Wade Barbiaux, Steve Michalik, Wayne Michalik, and Greg Michalik.

Honorary pallbearers include Craig Grace and Gilbert Polasek.

The family would like to express their deepest gratitude to  the doctors, nurses, and staff of the Baylor Scott and White Hospitals for their years of compassionate care for Edward. They would also like to send a special thank you to the nurses and staff at Will-O-Bell Nursing Facility in  Bartlett for the excellent care of Edward for the past nine months and for loving him as though he was their family as well.

Visitation will be held from 6:00 to 8:00 pm on Tuesday, October 13, 2020, and funeral services will be held at 10:00 am, Wednesday, October 14, 2020, at Providence Funeral Home. Burial will follow at Taylor City Cemetery.

Memorials may be sent to the Granger Food Pantry in care of the Brethren Church of Granger.