Alton Ray Klanika

Lifelong farmer and rancher, Alton Klanika, passed away on February 6, 2017 at the age of 81. Born on March 14, 1935 in Alice, Texas to Henry and Bessie Klanika, he was raised with his 4 sisters, Elaine, June, Janelle and Geraldine and his one brother, Raymond. Alton joined the army after high school and then after being honorably discharged in May of 1959 he met his sweetheart, Mary Ann Pilat. In January of 1968 they married and soon thereafter started a family. Although they spent their 49th wedding anniversary in the hospital Mary Ann wouldn't change a moment of their time together.

Alton and Mary Ann lived most of their lives on a family farm just south of Taft. Many weekends were spent with Alton's other passion of raising cattle on a ranch he owned with his brother north of Goliad. Even the last days of his life here on earth before going on to heaven he double and triple checked that his cows were being fed like he wanted them to be.

In the free time Alton had after planting, harvesting and feeding his cattle he enjoyed fishing and hunting. He spent many evenings floundering and deer hunting with family and friends. This past time will continue to be enjoyed by his sons, daughter and grandchildren because of his efforts.

Alton is survived by his wife, Mary Ann; sons, Kenneth (Jennifer) Klanika of Coupland, TX, Allen (Jennifer) Klanika of Saudia Arabia and daughter, Frances (Anthony) Nelson of Orange Grove, TX; grandchildren, Sarita and Charleigh Nelson and Thomas Henry Klanika; brother, Raymond (Dorothy) Klanika of Taft.

Visitation will be held Colonial Funeral Home in Taft, TX on Thursday, February 9, 2017 from 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm with a Holy Rosary to be recited at 7:00 pm that same evening. Funeral Mass will be held at Holy Family Catholic Church in Taft, TX on Friday, February 10, 2017 at 10:00 am with interment to follow at The Palms Memorial Park.

To offer condolences please visit www.colonialfuneralhometaft.com