George Alfonse Janacek was born on September 29, 1925, to Cyril and Mary Janacek. He was one of nine children, born and raised on the family farm in Schulenburg, Texas. He eventually moved to Houston where he met his wife, Roselee “Patty” Scambray. The two were wed on July 5, 1953, at Assumption Catholic Church in Houston, and remained husband and wife for 69 years until she preceded him in death. They welcomed their only child, Cheryl Ann Janacek into the world on October 1, 1954, and lived together at their home on Saginaw Drive in north Houston where he remained until his passing.
George volunteered to join the war effort during World War II in April of 1944 at the age of 18. He joined the Navy where he served as a Seaman First Class aboard the USS Dennis (DE-405) in the Pacific Theater around the Philippine Islands. After an 18-month tour of duty, George received his Honorable Discharge from the Navy in January of 1946. During his service, he received the American Area Ribbon, the Asiatic-Pacific Area Ribbon (4 bronze stars), the Philippine Liberation Ribbon (2 bronze stars), and the World War II Victory Medal. For his actions during the Battle off Samar, he was also awarded the Presidential Unit Citation Ribbon (1 bronze star).
Upon returning from the war, George returned to Schulenberg where he became a truck driver, eventually working for Herder Truck Lines of Weimar, Texas for over 20 years. In 1974, he opened his own business in Houston – Hornet Campers – located on Airline Drive just minutes away from his home. Hornet Campers was truly a family business as both Patty, Cheryl, and his three grandchildren all worked there at some point during their lives. George worked there six days a week until his retirement in June 2006.
Every summer for over 25 years, George and Patty loaded up their motorhome and drove to Branson, Missouri with their 1929 Ford Model A Coupe in tow. Over this time, they became somewhat local royalty, easily recognized by the Model A that they would drive all over town for two weeks. George was as proud of his car as he was his “farm”, the 15 acres that he and Patty purchased near Shiro, Texas in 1987.
George was a devout Catholic attending both Assumption Catholic Church in Houston and St. Stanislaus Catholic Church in Anderson, Texas. He served as a former Sergeant-At-Arms, Vice Commander, and Commander of American Legion Post 360. He was also a member of VFW Post 581 and a life-long member of the Knights of Columbus.
George took his final breath on Monday, January 23, 2023, at 4:55am in the home of his daughter and son-in-law. He is preceded in death by his mother and father, seven of his siblings, and his wife, Roselee Janacek, who passed on August 9, 2022. He is survived by his sister, Marcella Srubar of Pasadena, his daughter and son-in-law, Cheryl and Eddie Lett, three grandchildren – Nathan Lett, Dustin Lett, and Kelly Weitzel – and five great-grandchildren – Joshua, Aiden, Chase, Jackson, and Zoe.
Visitation and Rosary Service will be held at Earthman Resthaven Funeral on Wednesday, February 1, 2023 from 3:00 until 7:00 pm (with Rosary at 6:00 pm). Funeral service and internment will be held on Thursday, February 2, 2023 starting at 11:00 am. Earthman Resthaven is located at 13102 North Freeway, Houston, Texas 77060.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.earthmanresthavenfuneralhome.com for the Janacek family.
COMPARTA UN OBITUARIO
v.1.9.6