Miro Vranac

Miro Vranac of Pollok, Texas passed away on December 24, 2009, at the age of 92. Miro is survived by his wife, Gwen, to whom he was married for 65 years; daughter, Helena Lipscomb of Fort Worth; sons, Niko Vranac of Pollok and Miro Vranac, Jr. of Aledo, Texas; son-in-law, Joe Lipscomb; daughter-in-law, Beverly Vranac; grandchildren, Blake Lipscomb, Ashley Lipscomb Verhagen and her husband Thomas, John Vranac, Todd Vranac and Kate Vranac; great-grandchild, Carolina Verhagen; and many nephews and nieces. He was preceded in death by his parents, Helena and Niko Vranac; two brothers, Ivo and Nino; and three sisters, Nikica, Anka and Ksenija, all from Dubrovnik, Croatia. Miro was born on May 23, 1917 in Dubrovnik, Croatia and lived there until he graduated from the Dubrovnik Nautical Academy. After graduation, he joined the Croatian Merchant Marines as an officer and began a sailing career, which allowed him to sail around the world, mostly during World War II. In 1942, his ship, while carrying munitions for the Allied Forces, was torpedoed and sunk by a German submarine near the Caribbean island of Barbados. After five days at sea in a lifeboat, Miro and his crew landed in Barbados. Shortly thereafter, he arrived in Galveston and met the love of his life, Gwen Robertson, at the British Allied Officers Club. They were married in New York City on June 12, 1944, at which time he retired from the Croatian Merchant Marines and became a U.S. citizen. Miro and Gwen settled in Galveston where he founded International Ship Supply Company, serving ports in Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama. He operated his business very successfully for 24 years. During this time, they raised their three children, Helena, Niko and Miro, Jr. and were active in various community, school and church organizations. In 1971, Miro and the family moved to their ranch in Pollok, Texas, where he was able to enjoy one of the true joys of his life, ranching. Miro raised cattle and loved baling hay. He operated all of his equipment and his ranch until he was 84 years old. Miro's legacy is his family and the example he showed them of unconditional love. He believed in hard work, contentment, joy, happiness and laughter. He loved participating in all activities with his children and grandchildren, such as water skiing, sailing, horseback riding, playing water polo, traveling, attending sporting events, and building whatever projects their creative minds could imagine. Miro's greatest love in life was his wife, Gwen, who cared for him and was by his side upon his death. Pallbearers will be Niko Vranac, Miro Vranac, Jr., Joe Lipscomb, Blake Lipscomb, John Vranac and Todd Vranac. Honorary pallbearer will be Thomas Verhagen. Funeral services for Miro will be held at 1 p.m. Wednesday, December 30, 2009, at Pollok Baptist Church, with Bro. Joe Carriere officiating. Interment will follow in the Pollok Cemetery. Condolences may be offered at www.mem.com. Gipson Funeral Home, directors.