Leon Ignac Sylvester Orsak, 94, of Sherman, Texas, polka danced his way into Heaven on Wednesday, November 19, 2025. He was a man of deep, unwavering Catholic faith that guided him throughout his life.
A rosary and visitation was held at Waldo Funeral Home in Sherman, Texas, on Friday, November 21, 2025, from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM. Waltrip Funeral Home in Houston, Texas will host a visitation and rosary on Tuesday, December 2nd from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM. The funeral Mass will be celebrated in Houston, Texas on Wednesday, December 3, 2025 at 10:30 AM at St. Cecilia Catholic Church. Interment will follow at Woodlawn Cemetery.
Born at home on March 7, 1931, in the Eastgate area of Houston to Joseph Benard Orsak and Mary Clara Prokop Orsak, Leon was the fourth of seven children. The Orsak family came from Czechoslovakia and because Czech was the only language spoken at home, Leon began kindergarten not knowing a lick of English. He caught on quickly, attending school in Dayton and graduating from Dayton High School in 1948 at the age of 17. He received an accounting degree from the University of Houston while working full time to support his growing family.
Leon built a lifelong career in accounting, proudly earning his Certified Public Accountant license in middle age. He began as a bookkeeper in college for an oil and gas company, where he continued working after graduation. Most of his professional years were spent with Hibbert–Southern Printing and Promotional Materials, where he became Vice President in 1978. He later joined a water management firm before concluding his career as executor of a company trust.
On May 3, 1952, he married the love of his life, Dolores Ann Dement Orsak, and together they were blessed with four children, nine grandchildren and twelve great-grandchildren, who affectionately called him “PawPaw Leon.” Ever the playful spirit, Leon sometimes introduced himself as “Noel,” his name spelled backwards.
Leon lived his faith quietly and consistently—even through the hardest of times—letting his kindness, integrity, and patience speak more loudly than any words. He loved the Lord with all his heart, soul, and mind, and his life was a testament to that calling. He attended daily Mass faithfully and was always willing to help wherever he was needed. A 3rd Degree Knight in the Knights of Columbus, he was active in every parish he belonged to over the years. With a heart for service, Leon also served many years as a volunteer with the Sertoma Club (SERvice TO MAnkind) whose primary mission is improving the quality of life for people who are impacted by hearing loss. His favorite volunteer role was the many seasons spent coaching his children’s baseball and softball teams.
He is preceded in death by his parents; brothers and sister; his sons, David and Stephen; and his beloved wife, Dolores. He is survived by his brother W.L. Orsak of Houston, Texas; daughter, Debbie Burnett and husband, Zach, of Sherman, Texas; his son, Greg Orsak, of Houston, Texas; and his daughters-in-law, Lynn Orsak, of Hendersonville, Tennessee and Carol Orsak of Houston, Texas; numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins; and the treasured friends he had in the Houston area.
He is also cherished by his grandchildren—Mitch Orsak, Kristin Orsak Robinson (Charlie), Kari Burnett Rylander (Cory), Kayla Burnett, Keith Burnett (Rachel), Kelsi Burnett Miller (Blake), Sarah Orsak, Rebecca Orsak Green (John), and Jordan Orsak (Ari) —as well as his twelve great-grandchildren. PawPaw Leon will always be remembered for his famous homemade chicken noodle soup, his love for the Houston Astros and University of Houston Cougars, his expert 42 domino skills, Czech phrases, his laugh and jokes, and his favorite three words: “God bless you.”
Leon was a calming, peaceful presence in a chaotic world— a quiet, selfless man who was a blessing to all who had the privilege of knowing him. Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him. May he rest in peace. Amen.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Leon’s name to Sertoma or a charity of your choice.
