Henry "Hank" Vesely

    Henry “Hank” Louis Vesely, 85, passed away April 1, 2015. He was born on July 4, 1929 to the late John and Mary Gregurek Vesely in the Whitehall Community of Jackson County. A midwife helped with the birth during a rainy 4th of July. He was the youngest of six children born to his parents. 
    Hank attended Whitehall school through the 10th grade, walking the distance of about two miles to and from school. He helped his parents on the farm. His mother passed away when he was 14, and his father passed away when he was 19. Hank joined the United States Marine Corps for a three-year hitch, but the Korean War extended his term by one year, also called "at the convenience of the government" and served from 1948 to 1952. He loved the Marine Corps the rest of his life and attended several USMC reunions for his outfit, C Co., First Marines, 7th Regiment or C-1-7. 
    He was wounded in action in September 1951, and received a Purple Heart, among other commendations. He was then honorably discharged at the rank of Sergeant.
    Hank was a member of Assumption Catholic Church, American Legion Post No. 346 Ganado, Texas, VFW Post #2786 El Campo, KJT Society No. 71, Wharton County Czech Heritage Society and Texas Czech Heritage and Cultural Center.
    Hank had a varied work life: Alcoa, Texas Highway Department, JMH Grocery Store, and Mastic Tile in Houston, May Aluminum in El Campo, then settling into the grocery business with Mike Gregurek at Mike's Grocery, and Ganado Grocery until his retirement. His hobbies were playing the Dobro guitar, walking, riding his bicycle and singing Czech music.  He was a huge fan of Roy Acuff and his band.  He also played with Laddie Kolancy in his band.
    Hank is preceded in death by his parents; his sister, Albina Vesely Maresh; his brothers, Willie F. Vesely and Fred Vesely of Wilcox, Ariz, and also an infant brother.
    Hank is survived by his wife of 62 years, Frances Kasper Vesely, married on Jan. 20, 1953; his sister; Amalia "Molly" Vesely Simicek of Houston; daughter, Charlotte (Rick) Carlson; sons, John (Susan) Vesely, and Patrick (Kim) Vesely; grandchildren, David (Kelly) Carlson, Sarah (Doug) Busker, Brian Vesely, William "Billy" Vesely, Jenny Vesely, Clayton Vesely, Monica (Vernie) Darby, and Haleigh (Byron) Taylor; as well as eight great-grandchildren.
    Visitation will be Sunday, April 5 from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Ganado Funeral Home, 800 S. Third St. Funeral services will be Monday, April 6, with a Rosary being recited at 9:30 a.m. and Mass at 10 a.m., at the Assumption Catholic Church, with Rev. Michael Lyons officiating. Interment will be in the Assumption Catholic Cemetery, with Military Honors being provided by the Ganado American Legion Post 346.
     The family suggests memorial contributions be sent to, the Assumption Catholic Church, or Hospice of South Texas.
    Services are under the direction of Ganado Funeral Home, 800 S. Third St., 361-771-2120.