Rev. John Bravenec

Rev. John Bravenec, age 72, went home to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Sunday, September 10, 2006, surrounded by his family at home. A celebration of his life will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, September 13 at the Seaton Brethren Church with Rev. Tom Popelka, Rev. Frank Simcik, Rev. John Gantt and Rev. Joe Emerson officiating. Burial will be at the Seaton Cemetery. Visitation will be 6 - 8 PM Tuesday, September 12, at Scanio-Harper Funeral Home. He was born to John and Florence (Malinak) Bravenec on October 3, 1933 in Houston, Texas. He graduated from Texas A&M University with a degree in mathematics in 1955. He received his masters degree in theology from Dallas Theological Seminary in 1959. Rev. Bravenec ministered in many of the Brethren Churches in Texas during his 51 years of service. At one time, he was pastor in charge of eight Brethren congregations simultaneously, and sometimes preached at five churches on the same Sunday. He pastored the Evangelical Brethren Church of Temple for 33 years until his retirement in June, 2006. Believing the Bible to be the Word of the Living God, he passionately studied, memorized, lived and preached the truths of the Scriptures and centered his ministry on Christ and His finished work on the cross. He was faithful in his witness to his family and friends, desiring that they should all come to know and love the Lord as he did. Other areas of service included serving on the Child Evangelism Fellowship Committee of Bell/Coryell counties, Bible teaching and directing at various Evangelical Brethren camps for many years, serving on Parents In Partnership Committee at the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor and receiving the Distinguished Service Award and Parker Award from UMHB. In his younger days he and his three brothers were well-known for their bullfrogging adventures. He was also an avid gardener and fisherman and loved to have his whole family on the fishing pier at Port Aransas. He married Lydia Ann Psencik of Temple on June 23, 1963. His abiding love and devotion for her defined his life. Their marriage was blessed with three wonderful daughters. He was preceded in death by his parents, an infant brother and one infant grandson, Sean Mark Atkinson. Survivors include his wife, Lydia and three daughters, Laurie Atkinson and husband, Rusty of Cedar Park, Shelley Rodocker and husband, Troy of Temple and Vicki Zobal and husband, Steve of Georgetown. He was also the proud "Big Daddy" of seven grandchildren, Ashleigh, D. J. and Reagan Atkinson; Bethany, Shane and Kyleigh Rodocker; and Stephen Zobal. He is also survived by three brothers; Lorence Bravenec and wife, Zora of College Station, Ben Bravenec and wife, Pam of Sugar Land and Robert "Bullfrog" Bravenec and wife, Nelda of College Station, aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews and many dear friends. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Evangelical Brethren Church of Temple, Tom Popelka Ministries or The Gideons International. The family wishes to express their gratitude to Scott & White Hospice and the doctors and nurses who lovingly cared for him in his final days. Pallbearers will be Eddie Bravenec, Steve Bravenec, Buster Malinak, Otto Crenwelge, Jerry Faigle and Larry Loessin.