J.C. "Zeke" Zbranek

Judge J. C. "Zeke" Zbranek Well loved attorney, former district judge, and former state representative, Judge J. C. "Zeke" Zbranek, 76, of Devers, died Friday, August 4, 2006, at his residence. Funeral services will be 2:00 p.m., Monday, August 7, 2006, at the First Baptist Church of Liberty with Mr. Bob Scherer officiating. Private graveside services to be held on Tuesday, August 8, 2006, at the Texas State Cemetery in Austin. Visitation will be from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Sunday, at Pace-Stancil Funeral Home in Dayton. Jaromir Charles Zbranek was born the second of three sons on March 25, 1930 in Crosby to parents; Ladislav and Marie Zbranek. His family moved into the Hull-Daisetta area while he was still a child and he graduated from Hull-Daisetta High School in 1947. He then attended the University of Texas in Austin earning a Bachelors of Arts in 1952. While at the University of Texas he was a member of the Czech Club, MICA President 1950-1951, Pre-Law Society, N.R.O.T.C., Pi Sigma Alpha, Friars, and Silver Spurs. He was also student editor of the Law Review, member of the Rusk Literary Society, the Tejas Club, the Student Assembly, Chairman and the Discipline Committee. Honors Mr. Zbranek received while at the University include the Jesse Jones Naval Scholarship, McKie Law Scholarship, and the Mike Flynn Award as Most Outstanding Student. "Zeke" Zbranek served in the U.S. Navy as a Lieutenant from 1952 to 1954 aboard the USS Carmick during the Korean War. After returning home, he earned the Democratic nomination to the Texas House of Representatives in 1954 serving until 1960. While serving in the Legislature he attended and graduated from the University of Texas Law School two years later. He began his law practice in Liberty partnership with the late Thomas Wheat in 1956, opening his own practice in 1959. He practiced law for the next 30 years, also serving as chairman of the Liberty County Democratic Party and as a member of the Lamar University Board of Regents from 1973 to 1979. In 1990, Mr. Zbranek won election as Judge of the 75th District Court in Liberty, serving on the bench until his retirement in 2002. He was an avid reader, enjoyed history and especially enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren. Judge Zbranek was preceded in death by his parents and brother: Marion Zbranek. He is survived by his wife of 47 years: Nelda Forshee Zbranek of Devers, daughter: Felicia Zbranek of Houston, sons: Zeb Zbranek and wife Angela of Winnie and Zack Zbranek and wife Sandy of Devers, four grandchildren: Zachary, Zoe, Zane, and Shane, brother: L. L. Zbranek, Jr. and wife Laverne of Hardin, sister-in-law: Virginia Zbranek of Devers, brothers-in-law: Judge C. T. "Rusty" Hight and wife Leah of Dayton and Carl Hight and wife Charlotte of Liberty, numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends. Also his special pets, Biddy and Sudie. In lieu of floral remembrances, the family requests that donations be made to the Hull-Daisetta Golden Oldies Scholarship Fund, P.O. Box 487, Daisetta, Texas 77533 in Judge Zbranek's name.