Joseph Daniel Marek

JD was born on December 19, 1933, in Rowena, Texas to Clarence and Olga Marek. After graduating from Ballinger High School, JD attended the Agricultural and Mechanical College of Texas (Texas A&M University), graduating in 1956 with a Marketing degree. While at A&M, JD met Ruth Fritsch, of Fayetteville, Texas, at the Fayette County Fair. JD and Ruth were married for a wonderful 59 years before her passing in 2014.

JD always loved being outdoors. He often spoke of the fun and adventures he and his brother Bill had fishing, camping, hunting and swimming along the Concho River.

JD started his career with humble beginnings working at a gas station sweeping up and cleaning the premises. JD excelled at his duties, and over his career earned the nickname “Mr. Clean” – not only for his attention to cleanliness, but also among his peers for the straight-forward style and integrity with which he dealt with others and ran his businesses.

JD worked for Humble Oil & Refining Company (known today as ExxonMobil Corporation), where he worked for 12 years - eventually becoming the terminal manager in San Antonio, Texas. It was during this time that JD formed friendships with his eventual partners Orson Feuge and Cletus Edwards. In 1968, they formed RAM Oil Corporation, a wholesale fuel marketing company. They went on to form RAM Wholesale in 1984, which allowed the company to expand into 15 states with their wholesale operations. In 1986, with the help of additional partners Carol Moores, Danny Linnartz and Max Burleson, RAM Stores was formed and branched out into a very successful convenience store operation. JD also served on bank and hospital boards and served as President of the Texas Oil Marketers Association (TOMA).

JD enjoyed the many trips he and Ruth took during their marriage. His most cherished times were those spent with his family, during which JD loved to barbecue, play cards and dominoes. JD loved to relax with the family at his condominium in Port Aransas, Texas, where he had many great times fishing with his grandchildren. He also enjoyed playing golf and hunting with family and friends. Christmas and Easter were always wonderful holidays for JD, when the family would be together laughing and joking as everyone helped prepare the meal. JD dearly loved and took great care of his family.

JD was very strong in his faith with the Lord Jesus Christ and committed much of his time and resources to the church he loved Shepherd King Lutheran Church, where he served as an usher and council member. JD and two of his closest friends, Donnie Hormuth and Carl Hansen, spent many hours mowing and cleaning the grounds, enjoying a DQ ice cream afterwards.

After Ruth’s passing, JD was greatly blessed a second time in his life, when God provided him an encounter with a former colleague from the banking industry at their local salon. JD met Sue Jones, who lit up his life. JD and Sue were married on September 18, 2022. They enjoyed many good times and meals with the family. When JD’s health declined, Susie got tough - becoming his greatest caregiver, by his side until his passing. Susie and the family would like to give special thanks to the following caregivers for their love and help: Igor Dombrovsky, Cynthia Jones, Katrina Vargas, Jonathan Stevens and the men and women of San Antonio Fire Station #31.

JD is preceded in death by his parents Clarence and Olga Marek, his wife Ruth Marek, and his brother Bill Marek.

JD is survived by his wife Sue-Jones Marek; daughter Debbie Stracke and husband Steve; granddaughter Brittany Stracke and partner Robbie Ortiz; grandson Nathan Stracke; daughter Laurie Underwood and husband Grason; grandson Aaron Underwood and wife Kendall; great-granddaughters Lainey and Lillie Underwood; grandson Garrett Underwood and wife Rachel; great-grandson Callan Underwood; Susie’s children; Stephen, DeeDee, and Duane and numerous nieces and nephews.

MEMORIAL SERVICE SATURDAY, JUNE 6, 2026, 2:00PM SHEPHERD KING LUTHERAN CHURCH 303 RAMSEY ROAD, SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS

Pastor Caleb Jeffers will officiate. A reception to celebrate JD’s life will immediately follow the service. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Shepherd King Lutheran Church or the charity of one’s choice.