Edward J. Janak, 76, of Hallettsville, passed away June 8, 2009. He was born on November 15, 1932 to Adolph and Annie Janca Janak in Hallettsville, Texas. Edward joined Betty Wittenborn in marriage on September 22, 1954 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Hallettsville by Father Alois Morkovsky. In 1957 Edward and Betty moved to Houston, Texas so Edward could spend the next 24 years working at Coastal Casting Inc. After retiring in 1981, they moved back to the Ezzell homestead; where he began working for the next 12 years as a bus driver for Hallettsville Independent School District. He also worked part time for Dr. Sharon Bowen as caretaker of her Arabian Horses for many years.

Edward and Betty have four children, David Janak Sr. and wife Deborah, Glenn Janak and wife Laurie, Barbara McElroy and husband Ronald, Paula Steffek and husband Leon Jr. Edward also has 9 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren; brother Victor Janak of Hallettsville; 3 sisters, Helen Micek of Victoria, Willie Mae Hermes of Hallettsville, and Jo Ann Hilscher of Victoria. Edward is preceded in death by son David Lee Janak Sr., parents, and infant brother Adolph Janak Jr.

Visitation will begin at 3p.m. Thursday at Kubena Funeral Home in Hallettsville with Rosary at 7p.m. at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Hallettsville. Mass Servi ce at 2 p.m. Friday at Sacred Heart Catholic Church with burial to follow at Sacred Heart Catholic Cemetery.

Serving as pallbearers will be his grandsons; David Janak Jr., Kevin Steffek, Ryan McElroy, Jeffrey Janak, Derick Janak and Kyle Steffek.

Honorary Pallbearers will be grandson Kurtis Steffek, his two granddaughters; Jennifer Thibodeaux, and Kristi McElroy along with his three great-grandchildren; Brysen Janak, Trenton Steffek and Tenley Thibodeaux; also Chad Thibodeaux, Belinda McElroy and Tiffani Steffek.