Marvin Edmund Woytek, 77, of Hallettsville, passed away on Friday, June 13, 2008 at Warm Springs in Victoria, after suffering respiratory complications. He was born the third son of Paul and Selma (Quitta) Woytek on March 21, 1931 in the Vsetin Community. He earned his living by farming, ranching and working at various construction jobs. He was also an avid hunter and fisherman. In retirement he found great joy in raising a garden and enjoyed reminiscing about his days hunting and fishing. Marvin was an active member in the local Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 6382 and the American Legion Post, and a member of SPJST.

He attended the Vsetin School until the 8th grade. His family farmed, mostly cotton, in the 1930s and 1940s. They also kept a sizable garden and orchard and raised livestock.

Marvin was a self-taught musician. In the early 1950s, he and his brothers, Sonny and Paulie, plus a couple of local friends formed a band called "The Texas Hillbillies." Marvin sang lead & played guitar.

It was at the age of 21 that he answered the call of his country and entered the US Army in October 1952. After completing basic training at Fort Chaffee, Arkansas, he was stationed in Seoul, Korea with the 8th Army, 7th Division, 49th Field Artillery Battalion during the Korean War. For his service, he was awarded the Korean Service Medal with two bronze service stars, the United Nations Service Medal, Army Good Conduct Medal, Korean Commemorative Medal, Korean Defense Commemorative Medal, and the National Defense Service Medal. In 2000 the Korean Government awarded him with the Republic of Korea War Service Medal (50 years later). He was honorably discharged in August of 1954.

After his discharge from the Army, he attended carpentry and agricultural classes sponsored by the US Government for military veterans. During one of the classes, he constructed an impressive cedar desk from trees he cut down by himself. Over the years, he used the skills he learned to make various improvements to the family home. His mathematical skills were very evident in the work he did.

In early 1956 Marvin married Kennette McKennon and together they raised four children: Darrell Woytek of Victoria, Celeste Bajunaid of Denton, and Raenell Rodriguez and Kendra Slaughter, both of San Antonio. He was a grandfather to 6 granddaughters: Kristie, Tonya, Lauren, Sarah, Sofia, and Kassandra; and 3 grandsons: Austin, Mark, and Malik as well as a great-grandson, David, and great-granddaughter, Rhianna. Besides his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, Marvin is survived by his brothers, Sonny, Lester & Harvey Woytek of Hallettsville. His brother, Paulie, passed away in 1995. Marvin also leaves behind 5 nephews and 5 nieces.

There are memories of hard work farming vegetables and of making sausage after the yearly deer hunting trip made with his extended family. Marvin loved to fish, so the family enjoyed meals of shrimp, flounder & red fish.

Marvin enjoyed spoiling his grandchildren with gold coins at Christmas and always had plenty of candy and ice cream for their visits. He took them on rides in the 'old truck' through the branch and out in the pasture. They also enjoyed fireworks with Grandpa.

Service: 10 am, Thursday, June 19, 2008 at Kubena Funeral Home. Visitation: 12 noon, Wednesday at Kubena Funeral Home. Officiate: Rev. Herb Beyer. Pallbearers: Allan Woytek, Albin Woytek Jr., Kevin Woytek, Randy Woytek, Michael Woytek, Karim Bajunaid, Xavier Rodriguez, and Shane Slaughter. Burial: Vsetin Cemetery. Memorials: Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 6382 and the American Legion Post.