Johnnie Leonard Machu passed away on January 22, 2020 in Temple, Texas. He was born on August 8, 1951 to Johnnie D. and Dolores (Cervenka) Machu in Granger, Texas.
He was preceded in death by his parents. He attended Taylor Schools and was an Honor Graduate of the class of 1969 from Taylor High School. He was then employed at Walter Jezek Co. and entered the US Navy serving his country from 1970 to 1973 with an Honor discharge. He was then employed by Carroll Bachmayer Equipment, Westing House in Round Rock, Texas and then Texas Department of Transportation from which he retired in 2011 after 28 years. In April 1980 he married Marilyn Urbanek. He is survived his loving spouse of almost 40 years, Marilyn Machu. He is also survived by two sisters, Arlene Miller (Paul) and Patricia Talasek (David); two brothers-in-law, Douglas Urbanek (Rebecca) and Micheal Urbanek (Bonnie); and two sisters-in-law, Shirley Flippin (Larry, Sr.) and Patricia (Urbanek) Steffek. There are nine nieces, eight nephews, eleven great-nieces, and four great-nephews.
Throughout his life reading to learn was very important and so was working on anything needing fixing or repair mechanically or otherwise. He enjoyed old western movies and some new ones, he liked country western music and a lot of all kinds including Czech and polka music. Chevrolet vehicles were his favorite as were tractors of older make. He loved the land in sustaining it- the cattle and pastures, orchards and gardens they owned. Picking grapes and growing berries and fruit added to his interest in making homemade wine for a number of years. Nature, hunting, and fishing for food were special interests form an early age- including the camping outdoors, BBQing, grilling and fish fries that went along with it. Cooking for and with the American Legion members in Granger for the Veteran’s Sunrise Breakfast was a favorite. Family and friends, reunions, and gatherings of each were special. He loved animals from armadillos to geckos and most of God’s creatures especially the many dogs that shared the life of this man. There is so much more, ultimately he thanked the Lord for this life he was given and felt blessed by him.
Visitation will be from 6 pm to 8 pm at Condra Funeral Home in Taylor on Friday, January 24, 2020 with a Rosary at 7 pm.
Funeral Mass will be on Saturday January 25, 2020 at 10 am at Ss. Cyril & Methodius Catholic Church in Granger, Texas. Burial to follow at Machu Cemetery in Granger, Texas.
Memorials can be made to the American Legion post 282 - Granger Nat. Bank in Granger, Texas 76530, Machu Cemetery, or an Animal Rescue/Shelter.
Arrangements under the direction of Condra Funeral Home, Taylor, TX.
