Ernest J. Hajek, 86, of Hallettsville, passed away Nov. 15, 2016. He was born on Feb. 21, 1930 to Joseph & Rosie Havrda Hajek in Shiner. He married Annie Mae Hoyer on Oct. 26, 1957 at St. Mary's Catholic Church of Hallettsville. He was a member of 60 years with the American Legion, Life Member of the V.F.W., and Sacred Heart Catholic Church of Hallettsville.

Ernest served in the U.S. Marine Corps from Oct. 1951 to Oct 1953; receiving the Korean Service Medal with 3 service stars, United Nations Service Medal and National Defense Service Medal.

Ernest settled in Hallettsville, where he raised his 5 children as a farmer. He loved the outdoors, heading to the gulf coast with his family on holidays and weekends to camp and fish. He also was an avid gardener, hunter, and always looking forward to dove season.

Ernest is survived by: his wife Annie Mae of 59 years; 2 sons, David Hajek of Princeton, LA, and Michael Hajek & wife Susan of Buda; 3 daughters, Barbara Hlavac & husband Larry of Shiner, Linda Hajek-Felton of Corpus Christi, and Carol Bozka & husband Michael of Hallettsville; 7 grandchildren, Bradley Hlavac, Amy Pratt, Robyn Hajek, Ashlyn Hajek, Shelby Bozka, Reagan Bozka and James Hajek; 5 great grandchildren, Taylor Hlavac, Clayton Hlavac, Brayden Kelso, Austin Pratt, John Hajek, and Aiden Hajek; brother Alvin Hajek & wife Earline of Yoakum; 2 sisters, Helen Roznovsky of Shiner and Lorene Kubicek of Victoria; brother-in-law Clarence Roznovsky of Houston; and numerous nieces & nephews.

Ernest was preceded in death by; his parents, grandson John Hajek, brother Jody Hajek and sister Josephine Roznovsky.

Funeral Mass Service: 10 am, Saturday, November 19, 2016, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church of Hallettsville. Visitation: 4 pm, Friday, at Kubena Funeral Home with Rosary at 7 pm. Pallbearers: Bradley Hlavac, Larry Hlavac, Reagan Bozka, Bradley Roznovsky, George Pratt, and Karl Brosch. Honorary Pallbearers: the Grandchildren and Great Grandchildren. Officiant: Msgr. John Peters. Memorials: Hospice of South Texas, Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Diabetes Foundation or Donor's Choice. Burial: St. Mary's Catholic Cemetery.