Emil John Svab, 85, left this world to be with the Lord on the 27th of September, 2014, with his family and friends at his side. Emil was born to Emilie and John Svab on January 27th, 1929 in the St. Mary's area of Lavaca County.

Emil was a dedicated son, Husband, Father and servant of the Lord. On August 11, 1953, Emil married the love of his life, Ann LaRose Werner at Sacred Heart Church in Hallettsville. Together they had 6 children and 61 wonderful years of marriage together.

Emil had a full life of challenges and experiences. After losing his Father at the age of eleven, Emil spent his time working to help support of his mother and volunteering to do odd jobs at Sacred Heart Church and serving as an altar boy. At age 15 he received the AD+ALTARE+DEI medal for over 1000 hours of service as an altar boy. He attended Sacred Heart School and excelled in football and baseball. He was a member of the first football team fielded at Sacred Heart School (and LaRose was a member of the first pep squad). At age 18 he serviced as the scoutmaster for Catholic Troop 222. Thereafter he was drafted into the Army during the Korean War and served as a cook based in Camp Atterberry, Indiana. After being discharged, Emil went back to his job as a mechanic for the Chevrolet Dealership in Hallettsville and then joined Shell Oil at its Sheridan, Texas operations as a mechanic in August, 1952 (retiring from Shell in 1989 after 37 years of service.). Emil had many accomplishments in his adult life; he led the effort to have the first Speech Therapist hired by the Hallettsville School District in 1963, he was honored in 1978 with the "Legionnaire of the Year Award" for his volunteer service by the American Legion Post 230, he was honored in 1983 as the "Knight of the Year" for his volunteer service, he held the position of Faithful Navigator in the Fourth Degree of the Knights of Columbus and he held the position of President (twice) in the Sacred Heart Band Parents Club.   Emil was recruited to be the Chairman of the committee to construct the Sacred Heart Family Center.

After retirement from Shell Oil in 1989, Emil and LaRose spent time driving throughout the US. They visited every State in the Union except Alaska and Hawaii (he stated was willing to visit Hawaii once a bridge was built). He enjoyed their driving vacations to Canada to visit their daughter, son-in-law and grandchildren. Emil also spent time painting pictures of country scenes, playing golf with friends, gardening, attending country music venues and playing dominoes with friends. Post retirement he also gave hundreds of hours to the service of the Lord as a church usher, Cantor and a Minister of Communion.   Each Friday he traveled over a hundred miles in the Lavaca County area bringing Communion to the sick and shut-ins.

Emil was preceded in death by his parents and eight half siblings, Edward Jansky, Annie Grahmann, Adoph Jansky, Johnnie Jansky, Bohumil (Robert) Svab, John Svab, Frank Svab and Joe Svab.   He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Ann LaRose, 4 daughters, Darlene Svab of Houston, Sheryl Barnes (and husband Leon, Jr.) of Hallettsville, Rosanne Gallia (and husband Edwin) of Hallettsville, Mary Kay Salari (and Husband Ted) of Sarnia, Ontario, and 2 sons,, Larry Svab (and wife Cathy) of Katy, and David Svab of Hallettsville; 10 grandchildren, Ryan Barnes, Pamela Barnes, Justin Barnes (and wife Lindsey), Anna Russell (and husband Kyle), Emily Gallia, Brittany Svab, John Robert Svab, Kassiee Svab, Julia Salari and Emil Joseph (Joey) Salari; and 1 great grandchild, Carter Barnes.

Funeral Mass Service: 10 am Tuesday, September 30, 2014, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Hallettsville. Visitation: 4 pm, Monday, at Kubena Funeral Home with Rosary starting at 7 pm. Officiant: Msgr. John Peters. Pallbearers: Ryan Barnes, Justin Barnes, John Robert Svab, Emil Joseph (Joey) Salari, Kyle Russell and Ryan Harabis. Entombment: Sacred Heart Catholic Cemetery. Memorials (in lieu of flowers): Sacred Heart Church, Msgr. John Peters Seminary Burse or Sacred Heart School Operating Fund.

Emil leaves behind a wonderful family and set of friends. He is now extending his service to the Lord in Heaven.