Henry John "Jonski" Bednarski

1924 - 2013

Mr. Henry John Bednarski (Jonski), 89, of Kennard, TX, died Dec. 29, 2013 at home. He was born the 5th child of Mariana Oborska and Francisk Bednarski on Feb. 5th, 1924 in Greenfield, MA., John achieved High School Grad Promerito Society Honors. He attributed his keen knowledge of math to being a newsboy and having to make correct change at the very young age of 8. This also led to saving a large collection of Indian Head Pennies.
After graduating high school at age 17, he found himself working at a 5 and 10 cent store as Assistant Manager when the Pearl Harbor attack occurred. As the country mobilized for war, John was able to earn a living in a machine shop manufacturing torpedo parts. This lasted until he entered the U.S. Army and was deployed into the European theater of WWII, eventually being promoted to Officer Training School.
After his time in the military, he moved to Houston, TX, and took a job with Pan American Air that would last 5 years. During this time he met his beloved wife, Myrtice Harrison McKinney, and the two began a marriage that would span 58 happy years. They adopted 4 children (Steven, Jan, Amy and Timothy) and raised a family that would make even Ward Cleaver envious.
The next corporation John worked for was Sinclair/ARCO Oil Refinery, where he held various positions in Yield Accounting, Inventory, Supply, and, in the early age of computers, programmed in Fortran. All told, his employment with Sinclair/ARCO would last 34 years and carry him to his retirement at age 62 as Maintenance Supervisor.
He then moved to Kennard, TX, the pastoral childhood home of his wife. There he built a spacious country-style house which, beyond being a beautiful dwelling to spend his twilight years in peace with Myrtice, hosted many joyous family reunions and summer retreats for his grandchildren.
A dedicated and long-time member of St. Francis of the Tejas Church, John served as Parish Council President, Lector and Song Leader.
He leaves behind two daughters, Jan Kennedy and husband, Jim of Dayton, TX, and Amy Hebert and husband, Lee of Rayne, LA; a son, Tim Bednarski and wife, Rachel of Memphis, TN; two sisters, Stephanie Marshall of Raleigh, NC, and Marion Ward of Northfield, MA; six grandchildren, John, Jeff, Justin and Jill Kennedy and Brandon and wife, Hillary and Josh Hebert and one great-granddaughter, McKinsey Abshire: special friend, Melba Humphrey.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Myrtice; son, Steven; two brothers, Steven of MA and Ed of VT; and sisters, Edith and Helen of MA. He was fond of the outdoors, enjoying the beauty of the Lord's creation, and was always working and walking the trails of his country home.
Services for Mr. Henry John Bednarski (Jonski) were held Jan. 2, 2014 at 2 p.m. in St. Francis of the Tejas Catholic Church with Father Peter McGrath officiating. Interment followed in the Old Zion Cemetery.
Memorials may be made to your church or favorite charity. He will send his Love and Blessings to all if the Lord grants him Salvation. Amen
Callaway-Allee Funeral Home, Crockett, Texas, was in charge of arrangements.