Phillip J. Bujnoch, 91, of Hallettsville, passed away March 5, 2016. He was born on Christmas day, Dec. 25, 1924 to Rudolph & Rosa Kocian Bujnoch in the Mont area. Phillip grew up on the Bujnoch Farm and first attended the country school in Mont, followed by Vysehrad and then on to Hallettsville High School.

In 1943, Phillip entered the United States Army and proudly served his country fighting in World War II. He received the Combat Infantryman Badge; American Theater Campaign Medal; European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal with 3 bronze stars devices for Ardennes-Alsace, Rhineland and Central Europe Campaigns; Good Conduct Medal; Purple Heart; WWII Victory Medal; and 2 Overseas Service Bars. He was Honorable Discharge from active duty in spring of 1946.

Phillip returned to his family farm and helped his father perform daily chores of ranching. Phillip quickly realized farming and ranching would require him to purchase a vehicle. One evening Phillip asked his dad where the best place would be to purchase a vehicle. His dad said, "Take Uncle Ben and go shopping at Ford Motor". Phillip took his father's advice and not only found a car; he also met the love of his life, Evelyn. Phillip and Evelyn dated for a few years and married on Oct. 19, 1949 at Ascension of our Lord Catholic Church in Moravia, TX. A year later, their son, David was born.

Phillip continued to farm and ranch. Eventually they saved enough money to purchase their own ranch. They raised cotton and corn, and focused mainly on raising and selling cattle. Phillip always bred the top bull to the best cows to produce high selling calves.

Phillip played a major role in the Hallettsville cattle community and was known by many rancher and cattlemen. One day, Phillip was approached by R. W. Blackburn, who wanted to know if Phillip's wife would be interested in working at the Hallettsville Livestock Auction. Evelyn agreed and still works for the action to this day.

Phillip and Evelyn gradually fell into the routine of family life. Phillip would spend his days tending cattle while Evelyn worked at the auction while David attended school. In the evening, they spent time together as a family, discussing the day's events and growing together in love. They had birthday parties for David surrounded by family and friends complete with homemade ice cream.

Phillip and Evelyn lived a fairly simple life, but made time to attend local dances. As Evelyn realized, Phillip was an amazing dancer, having gained his start at the young age of 3. In 1982, Phillip and Evelyn attended an Army reunion in St. Louis, Missouri. They had a wonderful time catching up with friends and reliving the good old days. They purchased a home in 1980, which they rebuilt in 1987 after the flood.

As Phillip progressed in age, he enjoyed spending time at home. He was a life time member of St. Mary's Catholic Church, and was an active member of the American Legion & VFW.

Phillip is survived by: his wife Evelyn of 66 years; son David Bujnoch & wife Kathy; grandson Jeffrey Bujnoch & wife Ashley; granddaughter Shannon Koppenol; 4 great grandsons, Tyler Koppenol & wife Kylie McFarlane, Joshua Koppenol, Dustin & Cameron Bujnoch; and great great granddaughter Tynlee Jo Koppenol.

Phillip was preceded in death by: his parents; granddaughter Jamie Bujnoch; sister Helen Steffek; and brother-in-law Alfons Steffek.

Funeral Mass Service: 4 pm, Wednesday, March 9, 2016, at St. Mary's Catholic Church. Visitation: 4 pm, Tuesday, at Kubena Funeral Home with Rosary starting at7 pm. Pallbearers: Jeffrey Bujnoch, Allen Steffek, Tyler Koppenol, Joshua Koppenol, Dustin Bujnoch, and Cameron Bujnoch. Honorary Pallbearers: Dr. Ralph Wagner and Dr. Tim Wagner. Officiant: Msgr. John Peters. Memorials: St. Mary's Catholic Church, Sacred Heart Catholic School Endowment Fund, or Hospice of South Texas. Burial: St. Mary's Catholic Cemetery.