Earl Frank Navratil

1945 - 2025

Earl Frank Navratil, age 80, formerly of Willis, Texas, passed away on June 12th, 2025, in Austin, Texas, where he moved in 2024 to be closer to family as his terminal illness progressed.

Earl was born in Suva, Fiji in 1945 to Lagic (Tex) Navratil and Lillian (Storck) Navratil.

He made his journey to the U.S. at three months old, traveling with his mother to Texas on a Navy warship. He grew up in Breckenridge, Texas, where he worked alongside his father at the family's White's Auto store, learning to fix everything from automobiles to radios, and absorbing lessons in service, science, and business that shaped the rest of his life.

Earl earned a BBA in Industrial Management from the University of North Texas. He also studied pharmacy and chemistry at the University of Houston. Earl met his wife, Karen Bresnahan, at UNT, and they married in 1968. They were married for 55 years and enjoyed traveling, camping, gardening, and boating together. Earl and Karen lived for 50 years in Conroe and Willis.

Earl worked in pharmaceutical sales for over 40 years and built a reputation for excellence, winning many awards and mentoring others along the way.

Earl's talents and interests were many. He was a passionate amateur geologist and lifelong science enthusiast, always on the hunt for fossils, crystals, and the latest scientific discoveries. He had a vast knowledge of space, engineering, and technology, and was always the first to master a new gadget, computer, or video game. He was a skilled cook, crafted beautiful wood furniture, and restored boats and cars with care and precision.

Earl loved music and played guitar throughout his adult life, often singing and playing with friends and family. He was happiest on the water boating, skiing, or casting a fishing line. Most of all, he was a committed husband and father who always put his family first.

Earl is survived by his daughters, Dianne Armstrong (and her husband, Scott) and Denise Simek (and her husband, Chris); his three grandchildren, Kaelyn Armstrong, Cade Armstrong, and Brody Simek; and his sister, Annette Fambrough (and her husband, Tom). He is preceded in death by his wife, Karen Navratil.

To honor Earl's memory, a Celebration of Life will be held on July 26th at 3pm at North Hills Townhomes Clubhouse, 6527 Valley Side Rd., Austin, TX 78731. Virtual attendance will be available through Zoom. For more details or to RSVP, contact Dianne Armstrong through Facebook or LinkedIn.

If desired, in lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be given to the Texas Parks & Wildlife organization: https://tpwd.texas.gov/business/donations.