Victor Laddie Stanek

Victor Laddie Stanek (Vic) went to meet his Lord and Savior while in his home on Milton Street the morning of March 4, 2026, just two months shy of his 105th birthday. Vic was born on May 17, 1921, in Lavaca County, Texas. The third of four children born to John and Emma Stanek, he was raised on a rural farm during the height of the Great Depression. He attended school near Shiner, Texas but left before graduating, hopping on to a truck with a load of eggs that was headed to the big city of Houston. Those eggs were purchased by Joseph M. Huffington who, beginning in 1939, had opened some neighborhood grocery stores in the new community of West University Place. Huffington was persuaded to hire the young teenager from Shiner and he lived with other employees on the second floor of the J.M.H. #3 at the corner of Milton and College. Vic worked there until joining the United States Army at the outset of the second World War. He served his country with distinction while stationed primarily in Italy and was honorably discharged as a Corporal in the Office of Strategic Services (OSS) in January of 1946. Returning to Houston, he once again began working with Joseph M. Huffington. He then met Mary Ann Siegel and after a brief courtship they were married in October of 1949. Mary joined Vic working at J.M.H. and eventually with Rudy Darilek and Jody Haas (known as the three boys), purchased the J.M.H. stores from Huffington when he had grown tired of the grocery business.

Vic was a legendary figure in West U lore serving countless generations of residents as they were welcomed with he and Mary’s generous smiles as they shopped the neighborhood grocery stores. Maintaining interest free charge accounts for West U residents, J.M.H. became an integral part of the community and Vic and Mary were there, side by side, until they retired and sold the business in July of 1997. It was the end of a storybook journey and truly the end of an era. The J.M.H. #5 location still has its original sign displayed at the corner of Edloe and Rice where Vic’s smiling face is featured in photographs inside the lobby of the Tiny’s #5 restaurant. Scores of young West U residents had their first job working at a J.M.H. store where Vic graciously shared his time and wisdom with generation after generation of aspiring entrepreneurs. He lived his life simply with a rock-solid code of ethics. His kind way of treating all people with honor and respect, exemplifying the Golden Rule, was evident in his daily life and served him well for almost 105 years.

And the memories. Whether it be as a friendly face in J.M.H., or as a winning softball and/or little league coach, watching an Astros game on television while he kept the line score on his hand made lineup sheet, or dancing with his wife Mary to a polka tune at the SPJST Lodge #88, or playing poker with his regular group at the lodge, or sitting next to him at St. Vincent DePaul Catholic church or just as someone who randomly came across his path. Vic was a friend to everyone, and his presence was in many places. He was always quick with a wave to neighbors walking by as they passed the front window of his home on Milton. We will always cherish the many memories that he left us with. He will be missed greatly by his family and neighbors and friends.

Vic was pre-deceased by his parents, John and Emma Stanek, his wife, Mary Ann Siegel Stanek, his brother, Arnold G. Stanek, his sisters, Lillie Mae Schoenfeld and Doris Grant. He is survived by his children, Dennis J. Stanek, wife Kim, Shirley Stanek Webb, husband Jeff, and Johnny W. Stanek all of Houston. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Jordyn Stanek, Sydney Stanek, Patrick Webb and Taylor Webb Cason along with seven great grandchildren.

A visitation will be held at St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church, 6800 Buffalo Speedway, Houston, Texas 77025 on March 18, 2026, from 9:00 am to 10:00 am.

A funeral mass will be celebrated at 10:00 am, Wednesday, March 18, 2026, at St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church, 6800 Buffalo Speedway, Houston, TX 77025. followed by a reception in the adjoining Msgr. Jamail Family Center.

A Rite of Committal will be held at Forest Park Westheimer Cemetery, 12800 Westheimer Rd. Houston, TX 77077 on March 18, 2026, at 2:30 pm.