John P. Krolczyk passed away on Friday, September 6, 2019 in Baytown, Texas at the age of 86. He was born on January 8, 1933 in Goose Creek, Texas to John and Antonia Krolczyk. He spent his childhood in the Baytown area and graduated from Baytown’s Robert E. Lee High School in 1951. While at R.E.L, he participated in choir and in the band as a trumpet player. It was there he met his high school sweetheart, Mary. They were married in February 1952, and remained happily married for 67 years until she passed away 2 months ago. During their marriage, the couple welcomed 2 children, 6 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren. John attended Lee College in Baytown before beginning career in the oil and gas industry. After dedicating 37 years of work to Shell Oil in Deer Park, he retired to spend more time at the Krolczyk Korner country house in Zavalla, TX.
Much of John’s life involved square dancing. He was passionate about country music and participated as a dancer, caller and teacher for over 28 years. He worked with numerous square dance clubs across the state including the Bayshore Wagon wheels in Baytown. When he wasn’t travelling the country with square dance, he enjoyed spending time outdoors, watching classic westerns and taking care of his Pomeranian puppies. John will be remembered by all for his kindness, patience and devotion to his family until the end. He was both a loving father and Paw Paw.
Mr. Krolczyk is survived by his children, Dennis Krolczyk and wife Vickie and daughter Connie Hanson and husband Gary; grandchildren, Carrie Quinn and husband John, Tom Kimmey and wife Wendy, Mikaela Haynes and husband Chris, Christine Willis and husband Jonathan, Grant Hanson, and Graceanne Hanson; great-grandchildren, Bailey, Logan, Lincoln, Cade, Emma, Jaycee, Martin, Bryce, Layla, Brody, and Chloe. He will also leave cherished memories with many other family and friends.
He is preceded in death by his parents, John and Antonia Krolczyk of Baytown, and his wife Mary Krolczyk, who passed in June of this year.
Visitation with family is scheduled for this Saturday, September 14, 11:00 a.m. -1:00 p.m. at Navarre Funeral Home in Baytown, TX. A funeral service will immediately follow at 1:00 p.m. Burial will be held at 2:30 at Memory Gardens Baytown, TX.
Pallbearers for the service are R.D. Davis, Gary Hanson, Frank Fullbright, John Quinn, Chris Haynes, and Robert Hines.
Honorary pallbearers are great-grandsons Bailey Quinn, Logan Quinn, Martin Kimmey and Cade Crockett.
Grandson Tom Kimmey will officiate the ceremony. All are welcome to attend and celebrate Mr. Krolczyk’s life.
A special thank you to Sherry and Latoya at Heart to Heart Hospice, caregiver Remy, and the other dedicated nurses and staff at the Waterford for their loving care of Mr. Krolczyk over the last few weeks.