Edward Henry Smajstrla

He was born on July 31,1926 in the community of Cottonwood near West,Texas to Ed and Annie (Holecek) Smajstrla. Edward was a devoted husband to his late wife, Tracie (Kallus) Smajstrla, for many years and a loving father, grandfather, and great-grandfather.

Ed grew up in Cottonwood where he attended school and picked cotton on the family farm. He went on to proudly serve his country in the U.S. Navy during World War II. Following his service, he returned home and built a successful career as a businessman. He managed and co-owned a variety of businesses in West and Marlin, Texas which included Ben Franklin Variety Stores, West Food Mart, West True Value, Fashion Fabrics, and a beer parlor. He also served on the Board of Directors of the Marlin National Bank.

When he was not hunting or fishing, he enjoyed polka dancing and traveling the world with his wife. He deeply cherished his Czech heritage and was a proud member of the Red and White Polka Club, American Legion Post 271,SPJST Lodge 6 of Cottonwood and the Knights of Columbus.

Above all, he was a devout Catholic and an active member of Saint John Vianney Catholic Church in Houston, Texas.

He is survived by his daughter, Monica Greene, and her husband, Richard Greene; his grandson, Jonathan Greene and his wife, Leslie, and their children, Charlotte and Benjamin; and his granddaughter, Christina McAllen and her husband, David, and their daughter, Marie. Ed was a proud grandfather of two grandchildren and three great-grandchildren, all of whom brought him immense joy. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 66 years, Tracie, his parents, his brother George and sister Helen Zapalac. His family finds comfort in knowing that he is now reunited with those who went before him.

Ed’s family will always remember him as a pillar of strength and love.

They cherish his affectionate nature, the stories he shared about growing up in Cottonwood, and the way his face lit up when polka music played or when he was surrounded by his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

The family would like to thank all of his wonderful caregivers!

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to St. John Vianney Catholic Church-mass intentions in Houston, Texas, the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, or the UTHealth Houston Stroke Institute-Research in Edward’s honor.