Mr. Jan Soroka

Jan Soroka was born on April 19, 1946, in Wiesbaden, Germany, and immigrated to the United States with his parents in 1950. He passed away peacefully at home in Cedar Hill, Texas, on July 6, 2025, at the age of 79. Jan was preceded in death by his parents, Stanley and Julia Soroka.

Jan is survived by his wife of 53 years, Mary-Ellen Soroka, daughter Tiffany Bawcum and her husband Ross, grandchildren Brad Bawcum and his wife Candace, Travis Bawcum and his wife Megan, Trent Bawcum and his wife Carly, Nathan Kloepper and his wife Kaitlyn, and Zachary Bawcum, as well as 6 great-grandchildren.

Jan is also survived by sister Christy Smith and her husband Alan, nephews Brian Smith and wife Mandi, Aaron Smith and wife Jenna, and great-nephew Pierce Smith, as well as Jan’s brother, Tommy.

He was the best big brother to Christy and Tommy.

Jan graduated from Justin F. Kimball High School in 1964, and the University of Texas at Austin in 1968.

He served as a Vietnam Army Chemical Staff Specialist from 1969-1971.

His military commendations include the NDSM, VSM, 2 O/S Bars, Air Medal, RVNCM, BSM, ARCOM, AM, SPS M-14, and EXP M-16.

Jan worked for LTV/Lockheed Martin for over four decades and was an adjunct instructor at Mountain View Community College.

For a period of time, Jan was the Mayor of Cockrell Hill, Texas.

Jan loved all animals, car races, and collecting and working on old cars and anything involving mechanics and chemistry.

The family has requested in lieu of flowers, you can donate to the Carry The Load Foundation at https://www.carrytheload.org/donate/