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Alvin (Al) A. Kollaja passed away Thursday, October 17, 2013. Al was born in Fayetteville, Texas on August 28, 1923 to John L. and Sophie (Vasut) Kollaja. Al was a wonderful husband, father, grandfather and friend and will be sorely missed. Al is survived by his wife, Clare F. Kollaja, sons Anthony A. Kollaja (wife Joyce) of Hayden, Idaho; Daniel Chris Kollaja (partner Tom Dooher) of San Francisco, California; Myles J. McDonough (wife Kathrine) of Tyler, Texas and daughter Nancy L. Mars (husband Robert) of Superior, Colorado; grandsons, Benjamin Mars and Russell Kollaja; granddaughter Sarah J. Mars; 9 nieces and 10 nephews and several grandnieces and grandnephews; his sister Martha Krejci; brother Frank L. Kollaja (wife Betty Ann) and sister-in-law May Kollaja, all of Corpus Christi, Texas. Al graduated from Corpus Christi High School in 1942 and enlisted in the U.S. Air force, 8th Air Force, 457th Bomb Group, in 1943. He flew B-17's as a 1st Lieutenant and also B-51's and A-26's. He received the Air Medal and 1 Battle Star. After his discharge from the Air Force, Al attended Southern Methodist University and graduated with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Geology in 1951. He was then employed by Ohio/Marathon Oil Company for 30 years and lived in Bismarck, North Dakota.; Wichita Falls, Texas; Roswell, New Mexico and Midland, Texas. In 1980 he joined American Land & Exploration and in 1984 he became a Consulting Geologist. He was a member of St. Ann's Catholic Church. He was an active member for many years of KJT; AAPG; Sipes; WTGS; NMGS and 8th Air Force Historical Society. Al was deeply involved in his family's genealogy and was continually updating his family tree. He was very proud of his Czech heritage and spoke fluent Czech. He made many trips to the Czech Republic. Al was preceded in death by his first wife Joyce Hawkins Kollaja; his father and mother, John L. & Sophie Vasut Kollaja; and his brothers Albert and Edward Kollaja. Family will welcome friends to a visitation from 6-8 pm on Friday, October 25, 2013 with a rosary at 7 pm at Ellis Funeral Home Midland, Texas. Mass will be said at 10 am on Saturday, October 26, 2013 at St. Ann's Catholic Church in Midland. Burial will be in Corpus Christi, Texas, at Seaside Cemetery at 1:00 pm, Monday, October 28, 2013. On line condolences may be offered at www.ellisfunerals.com.
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6 Entries
Al and my father were best of friends. I worked with Al at American Land & Exploration and remember Al very fondly as a kind and gentle man. It was a true honor to have worked with him during those days. I can see my Dad and he going over prospects. My condolences to all of the Kollaja family.
Michael J. Higgins
November 11, 2013
Dear Kollaja Family:
I had the honor of working with Al in those years he worked with John Higgins and American Land & Exploration in Midland. There could not have been a finer gentleman than Al. Faith, courage, integrity, service, and honor were all hallmarks of those men of the Greatest Generation. It was a privilege to know him.
Franklin McCallum
October 26, 2013
Kollaya Family, For my own loss of Al as a friend I am very concerned. He and I were close friends after so many years of our time on Earth. For the family I can see that they have lost a compassionate and loving father. Ruth and I express our deep sympathy to all of you from Idaho, Colorado, California and Texas. Al's roots are in South Texas with his ancestors. The Czechs have left their mark there. He will be home in Corpus Christi soon. May he rest in peace. Gerald
October 26, 2013
Dear Nancy, Chris & Tony,
My deepest sympathies to you and all your families. Your Dad, and my Uncle, was such a special man - I have so many good memories of visiting him and your Mother when I was a little girl. Bigmama, (our grandmother), and I would visit them in the summer for a week or two - this was before any of you were born and your Dad was so patient with 2 house guests for such a long visit. My heart goes out to all of you - I know you will miss him. Your cousin, Linda Hawkins Jones
Linda Hawkins Jones
October 25, 2013
Our deepest sympathies to all of the family. I worked with Al at Marathon Oil many years ago and considered him a good friend.
Joe and Marilyn Van Hoff
October 24, 2013
For all of you who knew my Uncle Al, you know he was a wonderful man. I am truly blessed to have had him in my life. I will miss him dearly and will remember him with a smile on my face.
Julie Nunez
October 24, 2013
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Ellis Resthaven Funeral Home and Memorial Park4616 North Big Spring Street, Midland, TX 79705
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