Edward J Cakl

Edward Cakl died on Sunday, January 24, 2021 from complications from COVID-19. Ed was born on April 2, 1932 in the Black Hills country of Dante, SD to Albert and Mary Posposil Cakl. At the age of 18, Ed enlisted in the United States Marine Corps and served 3 years as a proud Marine, 1-1/2 years in South Korea during the Korean War. Having earned the United Nations Medal, National Defense Medal, Good Conduct Medal, and the Korean Service Medal, Ed took an honorable discharge in 1954 and found his way to the oilfields of Odessa, TX.

Ed was a hard worker from childhood. He has framed the first ten dollar bill he earned by hauling cargo from the train depot to the local general store in a wagon at the age of 8. And he never stopped working. Many may remember Conners Deli on Illinois which Ed ran for about 10 years. He told stories about the amount of pies, briskets, mashed potatoes, and fried chicken that ran through that kitchen. He worked 6am-midnight for days on end. Ed left the Deli to open Ed’s Grocery Store on Big Spring at Nobles. From there he undertook a series of other jobs, never forgetting a face or name along the way.

At some point, Schipperke’s entered Ed’s life. His little fur-babies brought much joy, and sometimes a little anxiety, to Ed. He took great care of his dogs.

Ed was a quiet, gentle, humble, generous, kind, happy man. In his uniform of Wrangler jeans, western shirt, blue windbreaker, and trucker cap, Ed continued to drive and manage his home until the very end.

Ed was a supporter of The Wounded Warrior Project, St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital, Boy Scouts of America, Girl Scouts USA, and the Texas A&M Stevenson Companion Animal Life Care Center for Animals.

Ed is preceded in death by his parents, three brothers, one sister, and dear friends Ann and Chris Stallings. Honorary pallbearers are Anthony, Carmen and Vivienne Dragun.

Visitation will be held at Ellis Funeral Home on Tuesday, February 9 from 5-7pm with a Rosary at 6pm. Graveside burial will be held at Resthaven Memorial Park on Wednesday, February 10 at 3pm.

When I’m Gone

When I come to the end of my journey

And I travel my last weary mile,

Just forget if you can, that I ever frowned

And remember only the smile.

Forget unkind words I have spoken;

Remember some good I have done.

Forget that I ever had heartache

And remember I’ve had loads of fun.

Forget that I’ve stumbled and blundered

And sometimes fell by the way.

Remember I have fought some hard battles

And won, ere the close of the day.

Then forget to grieve for my going,

I would not have you sad for a day.

But in summer just gather some flowers

And remember the place where I lay.

And come in the shade of evening

When the sun paints the sky in the west

Stand for a few moments beside me

And remember only my best.