Well Done Good and Faithful Servant!
Herman Daniel Gawlik passed away peacefully at home surrounded by family on September 24th, 2022 at the age of 93. He was born November 19, 1928 in Cestohowa, Texas.
Herman married his sweetheart Evangeline Moy on March 2nd, 1957 at St. Anne’s Catholic Church in Kosciusko, Texas. They were married until her passing on January 1st, 2010.
He is preceded in death by his parents Anton and Cecelia Gawlik, siblings Ambrose, Roman, Irene Wiatrek, Emily Keller, Lambert, Sister Mary Angela, and Nick, his son Chris and daughter-in-law Amy. He is survived by sisters Dorothy Moy, Rose Janysek and brother Alvin.
He was a devoted husband of 52 years, father of 6 children, 21 grandchildren and 15 great grandchildren.
Herman is survived by his children; Jeff and wife Marilyn; Steve and wife Nancy; daughter-in-law Dana Keller Gawlik; daughter Monica (Gawlik) Cottle; Dave and wife Michelle; Glenn and wife Pam; his grandchildren, Melissa (Gawlik) Blank and husband David, Jeremy and wife Cara, Chelsy (Gawlik) Garcia and husband Frank , Fallyn, Olyvia, Steven, Samantha (Gawlik) Kingsbery and husband Cole, Stephanie and Fiance Brian Baliboff, Sydney, Will Cottle and wife Megan, Chase Cottle, Hunter Cottle and wife Carly, Blake Cottle, Sarah Cottle, Shelby Anderson, Rachel (Gawlik) Parker and husband Cullen, Hannah, Magen, Rhese and Avery, Makali Noble; and his great grandchildren; Rylan Blank, Kase Blank, Isaiah Hernandez, Isaac Hernandez Jr., Delyla Cruz, Cessna Garcia, Sawyer Kingsbery, Porter Kingsbery, Ethan Cottle, Chloe Cottle, Finley Cottle, Lennox Carrasquel, Soren Carrasquel, Trey Pinson, and Rowan Oldam.
Herman’s life was marked by service, sacrifice and perseverance. He honorably served his country in the United States Air Force from 1946 until 1966. At the age of 17, Herman joined the US Army Air Corps in San Antonio, Texas. In December 1946 just after his 18th birthday, he arrived in Tokyo Japan joining General Douglas MacArthur’s occupational forces at the end of WWII.
Specializing in communications, his assignments included; Tokyo Japan, Norton AFB San Bernardino, California, South Korea, Perrin AFB Dennison, TX, Goose Bay Labrador, Thule and Sandrestrom Air Base, Greenland, St. Johns Newfoundland, Canada, Lackland AFB, San Antonio, TX, South Ruislip, England, Offut AFB, Omaha, Nebraska, and South Vietnam.
During his service, he spent 12 Christmas’s overseas, served in three wars, WWII, Korean and Vietnam. In 1966, after 20 years, Herman retired at Randolph AFB TX. He then worked 27 more years retiring from the Army and Airforce Exchange Service. Then retiring for the 3rd time from the US Postal Service.
The family has countless fond memories of spending time with Herman, “Vangie”, their children, aunts, uncles and cousins on many camping trips including Elm Grove on Lake McQueeny, Bobs Cove and Goat Hill on Medina Lake. He loved the outdoors, hunting, boating, fishing, and pulling water skiers. Herman enjoyed his retirement years escaping to his land, riding his tractors and finding ways to utilize his collection of farm implements and homemade gadgets, usually finding someone to help or creating work for himself. In his later years, he found enjoyment and freedom riding his 3-wheel bicycle around town. On occasion, he was seen at the Bill Miller BBQ drive thru on his bike. Eventually, the MPs at Randolph persuaded him to wear a helmet if riding onto the base.
Herman had a reputation of high integrity dedicated to a life of service to God, family and country. His selfless acts continued throughout his entire life especially as the primary caretaker of his wife during her battle with ALS. Herman clearly walked the walk of faith and lead a life of humility devoted to his Lord and savior Jesus Christ! Well Done Good and Faithful Servant.
The family would like to thank all Herman’s caregivers, nurses, doctors, neighbors, friends, and family that contributed to his care throughout these last several years. Special thanks goes to Monica (Gawlik) Cottle and Jeff Gawlik (and his wife Marilyn). They and their families made sacrifices beyond measure for many years showing relentless love and care to both parents granting their wishes to die at home.
Herman Daniel Gawlik, age 93, of Universal City, Texas passed away on Saturday, September 24, 2022. Herman was born November 19, 1928.
A visitation will occur Friday, September 30, 2022 from 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM, at Chapel of the Incarnate Word, 4503 Broadway, San Antonio, TX 78209. Rosary immediately following from 7:00 PM to 8:00 PM. A mass will occur Saturday, October 1, 2022 from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM at St. Ann's Catholic Church, 8161 FM 541, Kosciusko, TX 78160. A committal service with military honors following from 11:15 AM to 12:00 PM at St. Ann's Cemetery, 8161 FM 541 E, Kosciusko, TX 78160. Followed by a reception at 12:30 PM at Kosciusko Community Hall, 7975 FM 541, Kosciusko, TX 78160.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.colonialuniversal.com for the Gawlik family.
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