George H. Smajstrla

George Henry Smajstrla of Victoria passed away March 22, 2016 at home on his family farm with his children at his side. He was 93. George was born January 4, 1923 in Victoria County to the late Emil Smajstrla and Albina Sramek.

He grew up in the Guadalupe Community and attended Guadalupe School, Patti Welder High School and Victoria Junior College; earning an Associate in Arts degree in 1942. During WWII, George was a surveyor for construction at Aloe and Foster airfields.

George wed his school sweetheart, Lena Emma Stark, on March 16, 1945 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Victoria. They were married for 66 years and raised five children. He greatly valued education, and encouraged and supported his children through college and beyond.

George was a hard-working farmer, and in winters in the early days, he also worked on the TNNO Line of the Southern Pacific Railroad for 12 years, first as a brakeman and later as a conductor. In 1953, George and Lena purchased a farm south of Victoria near Guadalupe, where they worked closely together in their life-long family farming operation, growing cotton and grain crops.

George was proud to serve as PTA President of Guadalupe Elementary in the 50’s and 60’s. He was a diligent election judge for many years at the Guadalupe School precinct.

George was secretary-treasurer of the South Texas Cotton & Grain Association in the 70’s. He was also a member and chairman of the Victoria County Appraisal District Board from 1980-1985.

George and Lena were very active leaders in Victoria County 4-H for more than two decades, guiding 4-H youth teams to contests at county, district and state levels. He was volunteer Tractor Project Leader at the Guadalupe 4-H Club. Selected as outstanding State 4-H Leaders, George and Lena represented Texas at the Southern Region 4-H Leader Forum in Georgia in 1972. In 1993, a Leadership Lodge Room was named in their honor at Texas State 4-H Center in Brownwood, Texas.

Always patient and loving, he was primary caregiver for Lena when she was ill during her later years. George and Lena were longtime members of St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Victoria.

George is survived by his children: John W. Smajstrla and wife Maxine of Victoria, Jean E. Smajstrla of Austin, and James R. (Jimmy) Smajstrla and wife Margaret of Round Rock; daughter-in-law Linda Blagg Smajstrla of Gainesville, FL; and sister-in-law Donna Stark Afflerbach of Seguin.

Lovingly known as ‘grandpa’ to his twelve grandchildren: Jason Elliott, Jessica Woods Nunn and husband Toby, Jill Elliott, Dr. Shiloh Smajstrla, Michael Smajstrla and wife Emily, Adam Smajstrla, Dianna Smajstrla Foertsch and husband Robert, Kody Smajstrla and wife Jennifer, Klint Smajstrla, Ann Smajstrla, Thomas Smajstrla and Lauren Smajstrla; and four great-grandchildren: Owen Woods, Eli Woods, Alyssa Foertsch and Ashton Foertsch.

He is also survived by his nieces and nephews: Jeanette Frydrych Murcko of Hermitage, PA; Mary Ann Frydrych of Austintown, Ohio; Kathy Frydrych Heister of Mercer, PA; Margaret Frydrych Stahle of Mercer, PA; Andrew Frydrych of Grove City, PA; David Frydrych of Volant, PA; John Frydrych of West Middlesex, PA; Robert Frydrych of Naples, FL; Jo Ellen Adams of Inez and Sheryl McCay of Victoria.

George is preceded in death by his beloved wife Lena (1925-2011), daughter Judith Ann (Judy) Smajstrla Elliott, son Dr. Allen George Smajstrla; and brothers and sisters Edwin J. Smajstrla, Lillie D. Smajstrla Frydrych, Agnes Smajstrla Analora and Julius Smajstrla.

The family will receive friends at the Visitation at 6:00 - 7:30 pm Friday, April 1, 2016 at Rosewood Funeral Chapel, 3304 Mockingbird Lane, Victoria, 77904. A Rosary will follow at 7:30 pm.

The Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:00 am Saturday, April 2, 2016 at St Mary’s Catholic Church, 402 S. Main, Victoria, 77901. Burial will follow at Resurrection Cemetery. Pallbearers will be George’s grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Victoria County 4-H, 528 Waco Circle, Victoria, Texas 77904.

Remembrances and words of comfort may be shared at www.rosewoodfuneralchapel.com.