Gary Wayne Maruska

 Gary Wayne Maruska

 October 27,1946-January 14, 2025

Gary Maruska, a long-time businessman in Taylor and former Mayor Pro-Tem, passed away on January 14, 2025. Visitation is scheduled from 4 to 6 p.m., with a rosary to follow at Providence Funeral Home on Friday, January 31st. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, February 1st, at 1 p.m. at St. Mary of the Assumption Catholic Church, with a graveside service following at St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery. Pallbearers include Gunner and Gage Lowry, Matt, Tate, John, and Kyle Maruska. Honorary pallbearers are Shannon Kasper, Harry Harelik, Jimmy Shook, Eddie Perez, Eric Stiba, Matt Schwitzer, Fino Garza, Kirk Marek, Glenn Marek, Michael Pillaman, Gary Gola, Jason Veselka, Patrick Veselka, Michael Beeson, Chris Beeson, Jack Veselka, Preston Hegar, and Bob Cornelius. 

Perhaps no two quotations are more indicative of the life of Gary Maruska than the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King’s immortal declarations:

“Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter”. 

“Darkness cannot drive out darkness, only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate, only love can do that.”

Gary was born on October 27, 1946, in Austin, TX, to Dorothy (Pavelka) and George Maruska. His family moved to Taylor early in Gary’s life, where he attended school. He graduated from Taylor High School in 1964 and was a member of the 1963 AA quarterfinalist Duck football team. He received All-District Honors as a fullback.

Gary earned a football scholarship and attended Blinn Junior College before transferring to Texas A&M University in

College Station, Texas. On August 26, 1967, he married the love of his life, Annette Veselka, from Taylor.

He graduated with honors from Texas A&M University with a Bachelor of Science degree in animal science major. At that time, the United States was involved in the Vietnam War. He sacrificed attending Veterinarian school and bravely enlisted in the United States Air Force to serve his country. This selfless act of service speaks volumes about his character and unwavering commitment to his country.

He and Annette started their military journey at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas, for Basic Training and Officer school. He then underwent pilot training at Randolph Brooks Air Force Base in San Antonio. Special operations training took Annette and Gary to Chanute Air Force Base in Illinois. Gary was then transferred to Laughlin Air Force Base in Del Rio, Texas. Del Rio is where Gary achieved the rank of Captain and they welcomed their first bundle of joy, Yvette. Gary was a candidate for Major, which would have required him to be deployed. With a growing family, Gary requested and was granted an honorable discharge so he would not have to leave his family.

 Gary’s new adventure with Ralston Purina took Annette, Gary, and Yvette to Stephenville, Texas. As Gary’s success continued, their journey took them to Corsicana, Texas, and then to Brownwood, Texas. Their time in Brownwood soon brought them the joy of their second child, Matthew (Matt). Gary was a natural salesman. His customers viewed him as part of their business, not just a salesperson. He was dedicated to building success for his customers and, above all, demonstrated the highest level of integrity. This integrity earned Gary’s customers' trust and recognition at the executive levels of Purina. He was awarded the #1 Salesman in the nation twice! His relationships were deep and lasted for decades.

In 1986, Gary and Annette began a new chapter in their lives, deciding to move back home to Taylor to open their own business, Aladdin Carpet & Interiors. This chapter gave Yvette and Matt more time with their grandparents, Alex and Helen Veselka, and Dorothy Newman. In addition, Annette and Gary had many dear friends and family with whom to reconnect.

As Aladdin Carpet & Interiors thrived in Williamson and Travis counties and across the state, Gary became deeply connected to the pulse of the community. By engaging with his neighbors and contributing to the local fabric, he wasn't just building a business but crafting a legacy. Gary was driven by a vision that transcended profits; he believed that investing in the community's well-being would create a vibrant foundation for his family and others to thrive and enrich their lives. He put his values to work and effectively served as Taylor’s Mayor Pro-Tem, passionately advocating for initiatives that ensured Taylor’s sustainable growth and promoted a thriving economic landscape. He also dedicated his time and talents to various state issues. Gary and Annette enthusiastically supported numerous city, county, and state political candidates. They frequently opened their business and home for political events and meetings and participated in block walks. Gary’s unwavering commitment to public service has left a lasting impact on the community and the state, as evidenced by the State of Texas reviewing a Legislative Resolution in recognition of his dedication.

Gary was a dedicated member of the Knights of Columbus #1235, where he proudly held the title of Grand Knight for several years, leading initiatives and fostering service to the community and to St. Mary’s Catholic Church. Beyond his contributions to the Knights of Columbus, he was also an active member of the St. Mary’s School Parish Council, playing a vital role in shaping the St. Mary school’s growth as it became a highly regarded school of education.

Gary also became immersed in raising awareness of many issues facing individuals and communities today. As a veteran, Gary was honored to support various initiatives for veterans. He was devoted to ensuring that all people, especially family members, were respected and that violence had no place in our communities or homes.

He had a profound and enduring love for animals, especially his beloved dog, Daisy, and his horses, Ginger and Kizzy. He established a unique and special bond with each creature he met, caring for them with constant devotion and affection. His enthusiasm for veterinary medicine was evident from a young age, as he spent significant time working with animals on his Grandpa Pavelka’s property and worked alongside the local veterinarian, Dr. Garrett. He was a lifetime member of the Taylor Rodeo Association. Gary also cherished the moments spent on the water, relished the thrill of waterskiing, and found fishing relaxing. He experienced immense joy while deer hunting. However, he was more interested in experiencing time for reflection and the beauty around him than shooting a deer. His most recent source of pride and joy was acquiring property near San Saba, Texas, which he and Annette affectionately called 'Rock Creek Ranch. All these joys were made even brighter by the presence of his dear friends and family. He treasured the bonds he formed with them, understanding deeply how invaluable true friendships are. Gary was always ready to lend a helping hand, embodying a spirit of kindness and warmth, willing to go the extra mile for those he cared for.

Gary’s work ethic was unmatched; he rose daily at 3 a.m. to get his day together and reach his business by 5 a.m. Family members remember him for his generosity and loving heart, never missing a chance to tell them, “Love ya!”. His mantra was to work hard, conduct business honestly, and achieve first-class results. While striving to run a successful business, he still found time to volunteer as a youth baseball coach, positively impacting many of Taylor’s youth. Gary also enjoyed watching various sporting events, especially those featuring his beloved Fight’n Texas Aggies and his new team, the Tarleton State University Texans, where his grandson, Tate, plays on the team. His grandson Cole graduated from Tarleton State University, and Gage and Gunner will graduate from Tarleton this spring. 

Gary will always be remembered for being in his rocking chair. From his youth until the day he was hospitalized, Gary was constantly rocking. He rocked in his chair at home, at the shop, at the kids' and grandkids' sporting events, at the deer lease, and anywhere else he could set up his rocking chair.

Gary was devoted to his family and took great pride in his children, grandchildren, and great-granddaughter. He is survived by his wife of over 57 years, Annette; daughter Yvette; son Matt (Kendi); grandchildren Cole (Meagan), Gage, Gunner, Tate, Tori, and Tess; and great-granddaughter Lindley. Also surviving him are his brother John (Barbara), Annette’s sisters, Janine (Shannon) and Beverly (Harry), along with many nieces, nephews, and cousins