John Baranowski | 1922 - 2014 | Obituary

John Baranowski

February 9, 1922 - April 4, 2014

Share this obituary
Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share in Email

U.S. Veteran

John “Johnnie” Baranowski, 92, of Richards, died early Friday morning, April 4, 2014, at his home in Richards.

Calling hours were held Tuesday, April 8, 2014 at Lindley-Robertson-Holt Funeral Home from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm. A gathering of family and friends took place from 5:00 pm Tuesday at St. Stanislaus Catholic Church, 1511 Hwy 90, in Anderson with a vigil service at 7:00 pm led by Deacon Grant Holt followed by a Knights of Columbus Rosary.

A Funeral Mass was celebrated 10:30 am Wednesday, April 9, 2014, at St. Stanislaus Catholic Church with Rev. Edward C. Kucera, Jr. as the celebrant. The rite of committal followed in St. Stanislaus Church Cemetery. A lunch reception was served in the parish hall immediately following.

Serving as pallbearers were Chris Conrey, Cody Sicinski, David Baranowski, Mike Haynes, Justin Basye, Mark Westbay and Ben Conrey.

Johnnie was born February 9, 1922 in Richards to Michael and Mary Frances Ubanoski Baranowski. In March of 1943 Johnnie joined the U.S. Navy. On August 30, 1943, while on leave, Johnnie married Joan “Janie” Wetuski at St. Stanislaus Catholic Church. After completing advanced training in Florida they both went to California. A gunner on a Curtiss SB2C dive bomber in the Pacific Theater under Admiral Halsey’s 3rd Fleet Task Force 58 assigned to the USS Hornet, he flew numerous missions in the Marshall Islands, the Philippines as well as Iwo Jima, Okinawa and Tokyo. Upon his discharge in December of 1945, he returned to Grimes County and completed 10 years reserve time.

Johnnie was a founding member of the Knights of Columbus Council 4054 in Anderson and a lifelong member of St. Stanislaus Catholic Church. A rancher/farmer, Johnnie believed in giving back to the community he loved, he was a member of the Farm Bureau, the VFW and American Legion, served on the Richards ISD School Board, was one of the original members of Producers Coop and was responsible for getting electric power to the rural areas of Richards. Johnnie was happiest working his land, riding his tractor and spending time with family and friends, especially when it came to a good game of 42.

Johnnie was preceded in death by his parents, his wife of 70 years, Janie, two sons, Philip and wife, Elvia, and Jimmy Baranowski, brothers, Tony, Floyd, Max and Steven Baranowski and sisters, Verna Marek, Frances Swatloski and Mary Dorothy Walker.

Survivors include two daughters, Pat Conrey and husband, Cliff, of Richards and Shirley Cook and husband, Morgan, of College Station; sisters, Theresa Hoffart, Janie Okonski, both of Houston, Bernice Baranowski of Tomball, Betty Jean Spaniel of Ennis and Ann Young of Willis, 8 grandchildren and 7 great grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting memorials in Johnnie’s name to St. Stanislaus Catholic Church for the restoration of the mural above the altar, PO Box 210, Anderson, TX 77830-0210.