Raymond John Mazac was called home to his Lord and Savior on January 16, 2012. He passed away unexpectedly at Scott & White Hospital in Temple, Texas, after being strong and courageous through many years of battling various ailments.
Raymond was born to John Jerry Mazac and Matilda (Krampota) Mazac on July 13, 1928 in Granger, Texas, and was baptized and confirmed in the St. Cyril Methodius Catholic Church.
He grew up working in the field with his family in the small farming community of Granger where he attended Palacky, Moravia, and Catholic Schools followed by Taylor High School. He later worked as a baker at Spegiel Bakery and Bill-Mar Bakery in Taylor. He was then employed by Texas Power & Light, and later as a steelworker at Alcoa of Rockdale, Texas, where he retired after 32 years of service. During a short layoff from Alcoa, Raymond worked as a milkman for Superior Dairies. Additionally, he was a small farm and cattle owner in the San Gabriel, Texas area.
In 1950, he joined The United States Army and served as a Corporal in the 553rd Field Artillery Observation Battalion where he was assigned to the Sound Flash Radar Survey and Communication Unit. Additionally, he was a calisthenics instructor for a number of platoons. He completed his service in the Reserve Army in 1955.
After returning home from military service, he met and married the love of his life, Shirley Jean Wendland, on August 18, 1956. The two remained happily married for over 55 years. Together they raised two caring daughters and gained two son-in-laws who he appreciated for their love and support, and for taking care of his girls. He was later blessed with two wonderful grandsons in whom he instilled good morals and faithful religious practices. A proud grandfather who adored his grandsons. He trained them to be responsible and honorable young men. He along with his faith, molded them into the gentlemen they have become.
Raymond was also blessed with a loving and supportive church family. In 1971, he joined the Taylor Brethren Church where he became actively involved in many church activities. He served on the Board of Elders, helped cook bar-b-que for the church fundraisers, and kneaded dough for the locally famous Christian Sisters Kolache Bakes. He attended the Primetimer’s Retreats at the Hus Encampment and was an active member of the Adult Sunday School Class. Raymond attended church services faithfully sitting in the same row for over 35 years.
He also was a member of the Taylor Lions Club participating in numerous fund drives to support the education and well being of children.
He was a very serious domino player who enjoyed a good game of 42 with his family and dear friends, playing into the wee hours of the morning.
His interests always returned him to the outdoors where he enjoyed deer hunting, camping, boating, and water skiing. He thoroughly loved spending time at the farm, especially fishing at the river bottom during the late evening. He also enjoyed traveling with family and friends as often as possible.
But the things he loved most were his wife, his family, and his church. He adored his wife and was happiest when he was with her, wanting to feel her near him to the bitter end.
Raymond will be remembered as a caring and devoted husband, a generous and loving father, a good father-in-law and fun-loving PaPa, loyal brother and friend, a true gentleman, and a faithful servant of God.
Raymond was preceded in death by his parents and brother-in-law Daniel Wendland. He is survived by his wife Shirley Mazac, daughters Sandra Ging and husband James, Karen Peschke and husband Walter, grandsons Brandon Keith Peschke and James Bradley Ging, and his sister Elizabeth Orr and husband Robert.
Pallbearers will be Brandon Keith Peschke, James Bradley Ging, Donald Ray Kovar, Alvin Loeve, Henry Ripple, Jr., Kenneth Schwenke, John Tucker, Logan Tucker, and Willie Vrana.
Visitation was held at The Condra Funeral Home on Thursday evening, January 19, 2012, at 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. with a Prayer Service at 7:00 p.m.
Funeral services were held Friday, January 20, 2012, at 2:00 p.m. at The Taylor Brethren Church, 710 Sloan Street, Taylor, Texas. Interment was in the Taylor City Cemetery.
Contributions and Memorials may be made to:
Taylor Brethren Church
Vision Fund
P.O. Box 351
Taylor, TX 76574
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