Daniel J. (Danny Joe) Prasek, 88, of Columbus, passed away Sept. 15, 2015. He was born on Aug. 12, 1927, to Joe E. & Olga Staha Prasek in Hallettsville. He married Jo Marie Smolik on May 1, 1945, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church of Hallettsville.

Dan attended Sacred Heart Catholic School and graduated from Hallettsville High in 1944. He attended St Mary's Business School and University of Houston and served in World War II and the Korean War. He then went to work for Humble Oil in Houston, TX, and after 35 years, happily retired from Exxon to pursue his passions.

Dan had an avid interest in history, specifically the Civil War, and was able to visit all the battlegrounds east of the Mississippi. He loved everything outdoors and had a passion for hunting – elk in Colorado in the snow with his buddies; wild turkey down in Brownwood, TX; geese and duck in Katy TX. He will always be remembered by his family and friends as a great story teller talking about all his hunting adventures across the US and Canada.

Before and after retirement, he loved driving the station wagon/truck and camping out west with Jo and all the children (plus the poodle) to many of the national parks.

Dan was also an expert carpenter and Mr. Fix-it using glue and duct tape as his favorite tools. He loved cars and spent many hours maintaining his vehicles to keep them in tip-top shape. His girls could always count on him to answer any question or come running if they needed help since that's what he enjoyed the most.

Dan loved Aggie football and did his best to attend the games, listen on the radio, or watch on TV, all while wearing his lucky Aggie shirt.

Dan was a loving husband and father, always willing to help his children and grandchildren. He was a true gentleman and will be greatly missed by his loving wife, family and friends.

Daniel is survived by his wife Jo Marie; 3 daughters, Judy Piper & husband Tim of Houston, Patty Kettler & husband Dalton of Missouri City, TX, and Janice Brown of Houston; brother Paul E. Prasek & wife Jan of Wimberley, TX; 5 grandchildren; and 2 great grandchildren.

Daniel was preceded in death by his son Donald Lee Prasek, and parents.

Memorial Funeral Mass Service: 10 am, Saturday, Sept. 19, 2015, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church of Hallettsville with Rosary starting at9:30 am. Officiant: Msgr. John Peters. Memorials: Sacred Heart Catholic School or Charity of Your Choice. Private Family Burial at a later date.