Elroy P. Hackbarth, 85, passed away Thursday, November 29, 2018. He was born February 23, 1933 in Karnes County to the late Emil and Selma Stoerig Hackbarth. His parents came from Germany and settled in Jackson County. Elroy went to school near Kenedy for one year, and then the family moved to the Polk Grove Community where Elroy went to school at Knoche's First Divine Association until he was 13. His father passed away, and Elroy had to quit school so he could get a job to help support the family. His first job was at a gas station. After a few years he went to work for Zaruba Chevrolet Company until he went into the United States Army in 1953 during the Korean Conflict. Upon returning from his enlistment Elroy went back to work for Zaruba Chevrolet until 1957. He then moved to Victoria and was hired by Boles Oldsmobile as a mechanic. After a while he went to work for the Valley Gold milk and Creamery delivering ice cream. He soon met the love of his life, Bessie Palmer. They were married in 1960. Elroy then became a station manager for Rother Exxon and retired in 1993. After a short retirement he went back to work as a shuttle driver for Killebrew for about 10 years until his wife became ill. Elroy was active in TPA, American Legion, VFW and the Independent Cattleman’s Association. He was Past President of TPA and held many offices in the VFW at the district and state levels.
In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by his wife, Bessie Palmer Hackbarth and 9 sisters, Alma Buegeler, Martha Buegeler, Elizabeth Slovacek, Adella Boehl, Mildred Esar, Mable Hackbarth, Helen Winkenwerder, Alvera Lacina and Dorothy Lacina. He is survived by his companion, Mae Borgfeld, and many nieces and nephews.
Visitation will be from 10:00 -11:00 am Monday, December 3, 2018 at Rosewood Funeral Chapels. Funeral services will follow at 11:00 am. Entombment with full military honors under the auspices of the Victoria Veterans Council will take place at Resurrection Mausoleum at 2:00 pm.
Honorary pallbearers will be all his nieces and nephews.
Share condolences at www.rosewoodfuneralchapel.com.
