Louis J. Malatek, 79, of Buda, died Tuesday, April 3, 2012. He was born May 31, 1932, in Gonzales, Texas to his adoptive parents, Charles and Mary (Petras) Malatek. He was the youngest of six children and his family knew him as “Sonny.” As a young man he joined the U.S. Air Force and served his country at Holloman AFB, New Mexico as an aircraft mechanic. In 1955 he married Evelyn Jurek and they started a life together that lasted over 56 years. After an honorable discharge from the U.S. Air Force, he and Evelyn returned to Texas and started a family. He spent his career in the oil and gas industry, working for Jones and Laughlin and Mobil Oil Corporation at various locations throughout Texas. After retiring from Mobil Oil Corporation, he and his wife eventually moved to Buda in 2001.
He was devoted to his family, coaching his sons, cheering for his girls, and always loving his wife. He was a true Czech who loved good food, kolaches, dominoes and polka music. Unfortunately, he suffered a stroke at the early age of 47, several heart attacks and a second stroke at the age of 75. Even through the physical ailments, he always had a smile on his face and joy in his heart. He was a gentle soul who never met a stranger.
He is survived by his wife, Evelyn (Jurek) Malatek; his five children, Debbie Shultz and husband Tod of Seguin; Daniel Malatek of Houston; Dennis Malatek and wife Tami of Blythewood, South Carolina; Denise Brooks and husband Tracy of Dallas; Donna Sundstrom and husband David of Austin; six grandchildren, Misty Shultz of Beaumont; Aaron Malatek of New Braunfels; Amanda Malatek of Blythewood, South Carolina; Connor and Kelsey Brooks of Dallas; Asa Sundstrom of Austin; and two great-grandchildren, Rylee and Kaylee Malatek. He was preceded in death by his granddaughter, Sarah Shultz.
Funeral services were held Monday, April 9 at Santa Cruz Catholic Church in Buda. If desired, donations may be sent to Hospice Austin (www.hospiceaustin.org) in honor of Louis.
