Raymond R. Fojt, 78, of Hallettsville, passed away Oct. 24, 2010. He was born on Oct. 3, 1932 to Emil A. & Emma Roznovak Fojt near Weimar. He attended school in Oakland, and rode a paint horse back and forth each day to school. He married Margaret Grahmann Fojt on July 14, 1956 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church of Hallettsville. He was a member of SPJST, Hermann & Sons, and Sacred Heart Catholic Church of Hallettsville.

Raymond worked for the railroad, Valley Gold and Brown & Root. In 1979 Raymond succeeded his parents in running the Fojt family ranch. He relocated his family from Victoria. He was the third generation of the Fojt family to farm and ranch their property. As a young man he raised Brahma cattle, turkeys, chickens, and hogs. Recently he raised predominantly Black Angus and Red Angus. Margaret and Raymond owned businesses in Victoria and Hallettsville were these shops retailed artwork and specialty crafts. The Fojts had joint ventures with Dalhart and Fay Windberg. These joint ventures were both in the art business and the marriage between their children Jennifer and Mike.

Raymond had a deep respect for carpentry and loved to restore furniture. All one had to do was bring him a project. He would have it completed the next time you came to visit. As a young man he played dominoes in his spare time, in particular 42 and Moon. Raymond was always up to playing Moon for small change. He was a master player, very competitive and with a wry grin would predict each player's "rocks". Raymond loved country music and listened to music CDs in the car, on his porch and at night before going to bed. His mind was a natural at remembering words. Raymond could recite dialog from movies and verses from songs. Lonesome Dove was his favorite movie. You could start him with a scene and he could recite the words. Raymond would solve your problem or ease your heart by repeating the words of a song. For example, trying to hurry one of his daughters could incite Raymond into singing the verses from Brad Paisley's "Waiting on a Woman". Raymond was meticulous with his clothes and appearance. He liked pressed shirts and jeans. Always wore comfortable shoes. His thick head of hair combed and sunglasses. He was a very handsome young man. Around the ranch Raymond's cap would always match the color of his shirt. He and Margaret vacationed in Colorado, Louisiana, Texas, and Mexico.

Raymond was a humble man who came from modest beginnings. He was private and introverted. Not one to seek crowds or attention. He loved to be in the company of his children. Raymond had a tremendous sense of humor. He preferred individual conversations and loved to tell stories about his life and the people in his life. Remembering the details of stories and events came easy to him. Raymond was the shepherd to his land and animals. He was a student of nature in particular wildlife and Lavaca County. Any question could initiate a story or observation. He was a rifleman and fisherman. Raymond grew up hunting whitetail deer, squirrels, frogs, and rabbits in addition to fishing both freshwater and the Texas coast. Raymond was self reliant. He had the mechanical ability and initiative to create solutions for problems either at work or on the ranch. He awoke early every morning. Raymond was taught the value of hard work by his parents. He liked to craft his day around a routine. Raymond believed in traditional values and honor. He was passionate and true to his Catholic faith. Raymond loved his country and flew an American Flag in his yard. He was particularly proud of his grandson Weston's service in the Air Force and tours of duty overseas.

Raymond is survived by: son Randy R. Fojt & wife Sandra of Hallettsville; 4 daughters, Jennifer Windberg & husband Michael of Austin, Linda Koenig & husband Doyle of Austin, Le Ann Fojt of Austin, and Melissa Barrios & husband Robert of Austin; 10 grandchildren, Jason, Jordan, and Alaina Windberg; Brandon and Miranda Fojt, Mindalyn Moffitt, Lindsey Foote, Weston Koenig, Stephen and Kinsey Barrios; 4 great grandchildren, Lane Moffitt, Cameron Moffitt, Elizabeth Windberg, Jillian Foote, and three more arriving shortly; his dogs Oliver, Drover, and Tigger; and his cat Patches.

Raymond was preceded in death by, his wife Margaret and parents.

Funeral Mass Service: 10 am, Wednesday, Oct. 27, 2010 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church of Hallettsville. Visitation: 4pm, Tuesday, at Kubena Funeral Home. Rosary: 7 pm, Tuesday at Kubena Funeral Home. Officiate: Rev. John Peters. Pallbearers: Jason Windberg, Weston Koenig, Brandon Fojt, Jordan Windberg, Steven Leopold, and Brian Leopold. Memorials: Sacred Heart Catholic School or American Heart Association. Entombment: Sacred Heart Catholic Cemetery.

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