Joe B. Kolacny, 85, of Hallettsville, passed away June 26, 2013. He was born on Sept. 29, 1927 to Joseph & Rosie Ruzicka Kolacny in Lavaca County, Texas. He married Lillie Kalmus on Sept. 21, 1946 at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church of Koerth, TX. He was a member of St. Mary's Catholic Church of Hallettsville.

Joe treasured the good old days of hunting, fishing and passing time with the family. The many fond memories of hunting adventures were shared by the grandkids. There was never a dull moment. In the last few years of hunting, Grandpa couldn't wait to be picked up for the next hunt. One of Grandpa's famous quotes was, "Let's make a hunt!"

Family time was most important to him. He enjoyed entertaining the family with Bar-B-Que dinners at all-day gatherings.

These are our memories of Daddy: As Daddy, of course he was overprotective. Earlene remembers him picking the right one, and then the approval was given. When she was small, she longed to hear the words after a rain, "Go ahead. Go run in the branch! "

David likes to recall the trips to the creek, gathering perch and setting lines.

Ervin's cherished memory was hunting coons by carbide light.

For this God is our God for ever and ever; he will be our guide even to the end. - Psalm 48:14

Joe is survived by:  wife Lillie of 66 years; 2 sons, Ervin Kolacny & wife Carolyn, and David Kolacny & wife Michele, both of Hallettsville; daughter Earlene Pilat & husband Robert of Moulton; brother Laddie Kolacny of Ganado; 9 grandchildren, Donna Kolacny Drazda & husband Jody, Kevin Pilat & wife Angie, Dale Kolacny & wife Connie, Ryan Pilat & wife Roxanna, Angela Pilat Richter & husband Bryan, Devin Kolacny & wife Karen, Alan Pilat & wife Betty, Drayton Kolacny, and Mclane Kolacny; and 11 great grandchildren.

Joe was preceded in death by: his parents; granddaughter Delaine Marie Kolacny; 2 sisters, Lillie and Bessie Grahmann; and brother Frank Kolacny.

Funeral Mass Service: 10 am, Friday, June 28, 2013 at St. Mary's Catholic Church of Hallettsville. Visitation: 4 pm, Thursday, at Kubena Funeral Home. Rosary: 7 pm, Thursday, at Kubena Funeral Home. Pallbearers: Kevin Pilat, Ryan Pilat, Alan Pilat, Drayton Kolacny, Mclane Kolacny and Jody Brazda. Honorary Pallbearers: Dale Kolacny, Donna Kolacny Brazda, Angela Pilat Richter, and Devin Kolacny. Officiate: Msgr. John Peters. Memorials: Donor's Choice. Burial: St. Mary's Catholic Cemetery.