EUGENE JOE NOVAK, 81, of Hallettsville, TX passed away after a brief illness in Houston, TX Saturday, November 22, 2008. Gene was born November 27, 1926 in Moravia, Texas to Joe and Mary Novak. After graduation from Moravia School, Gene enlisted in the US Army where he served his country during WW II. After completing his military service, Gene attended business school. He worked for 34 years for Lyondel Refinery in Pasadena, Texas and retired in 1985. In 1994 Gene and Margaret moved to Hallettsville which has been home for the past 15 years.

Gene's interests included Knights of Columbus, American Legion, Farm Bureau, parishioner of Sacred Heart Catholic Church.

Gene is survived by his loving wife of 58 years Margaret Novak, 7 children, Miranda Buckley and her husband Bill, Mark Novak and his wife Noel, Myron Novak and his wife Mary, Marilyn Sobotik and her husband Donald, Michael Novak and his wife Judy, Matthew Novak and his wife Sandra, Maurice Novak and his wife Lisa; brother Henry Novak and his wife Dell; 10 grandchildren, Chris, Courtney, Lauren, Justin, Jason, Ashlynn, Allyson, Erin, Audrey and Ian; 5 step grandchildren, Sarah, Jacob, Crystal, Bridgette, and DJ; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Service: 11 am, Tuesday, Nov. 25, 2008, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Hallettsville. Visitation: 5 pm, Monday at Kubena Funeral Home. Rosaries: 7 pm, Monday at Kubena Funeral Home; and 10:30 am, Tuesday at Sacred Heart Church. Officiate: Rev. John Peters. Pallbearers: Justin Sobotik, Chris Buckley, Donald Sobotik, Bill Buckley, Gerald Kosler, Gregory Kosler, and Ronald Novak. Honorary Pallbearer: Jason Sobotik. Memorials (in lieu of flowers): Sacred Heart Catholic School. Burial: Sacred Heart Catholic Cemetery.