John L. Marek

JOHN L. MAREK, age 88, passed away February 16, 2006. John Marek was born on a farm in Yoakum, Texas, on February 3, 1918. After completing 6th grade, he dropped out of school to help his parents survive the depression. In spite of his best efforts, his parents lost their farm through foreclosure. Seeing no future in farming, he came to Houston in early 1938 and got a job hanging sheetrock, which paid 25 cents per hour. After a year of learning the craft, he went into business, recruiting his two brothers, Bill and Ralph, and founded the Marek Family of Companies, which, after a three year interruption while John was serving his country overseas as a Navy Seabee, ultimately became the largest interior contractor in the South with branches in Houston, Dallas, San Antonio, Austin, Harlingen and Atlanta. He and his brothers, Bill and Ralph, were founders of Stanley Construction and Development Companies which developed several subdivisions in Harris and Montgomery Counties. Twenty-five years ago, John gradually withdrew from business and began devoting his tremendous energy to helping the poor in our area, through the St. Vincent de Paul Society of the Catholic Church. This continued until the time of his death. He was instrumental as a major donor in establishing St. Vincent de Paul Village, a transitional housing project for the poor. John had only one goal and that was "Full speed ahead to help the poor with food, clothing and housing." He was instrumental in founding three St. Vincent de Paul Thrift stores where no one was ever turned away for whatever assistance was needed. John is survived by his wife of 60 years, Frances, six children and their spouses; John and Debbie Marek, Bruce and Jan Marek, Paul and Kathy Marek, Alice and Robert Hobizal, Catherine Masden and Carol Marek. He also leaves 11 grandchildren: Eddy and David Hobizal, Jon and Melissa Marek, Ann Larson and Rachel Marek, Josh, Amy and Joel Marek, and Clint and Cody Masden, and 3 great-grandchildren: Breann, Carissa and Bryce Larson. Visitation will be at St. John Neumann Catholic Church, 2730 Nelwood, Sunday, February 19th from 5:00 until 7:00 P.M., with the rosary following at 7:00 P.M.. The funeral Mass will be held at 10:00 A.M. Monday, February 20th also at St. John Neumann and celebrated by Archbishop Joseph A. Fiorenza and Monsignor Gene Francis. Interment will follow at Earthman Resthaven Cemetery, 13102 North Freeway. In lieu of flowers, the family request donations to the St. Vincent de Paul Society, for the St. John Neumann Conference. Pallbearers will be grandsons, Eddy and David Hobizal, Jon Marek, Josh and Joel Marek and Clint Masden. Special thanks to Rosa Dagins for her years of tireless care of John and to Hospice for their care at the end.