Benjamin Thomas Kotara

Benjamin Thomas Kotara, 90, passed peacefully on August 22, 2024 in his home with his loving family at his side. Benjamin (Ben) was born in Koscuisko, Texas on July 10, 1934 to Tom and Paula (Kopecki) Kotara. He lost his mother when he was 2 ½ years old and his Aunt Victoria Kopecki moved in to help raise him and later married Tom. He graduated from Poth High School in 1952 where he excelled in all sports and began farming at a young age. He married the love of his life, RoseMary Lyssy in 1955. Ben was a faithful man and an avid outdoorsman (primarily fishing and hunting) and instilled those adventurous traits to his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren.
He and Rosemary found their greatest joy in spending time with each other and creating family traditions. They worked diligently to create these memories at the Llano River, Mathis Lake, Rockport, and Port Mansfield. He enjoyed farming and raising cattle while also working for Dr. Pepper and Pepsi for 36 years, BK Concrete for 18 years, and selling Mrs. Annie's peanut brittle to South Texas for 20 years on the side. Ben was an active member of Blessed Sacrament Church and Knights of Columbus. He was also a board member of Sunko Water Company for 17 years. One of his favorite pastimes over the years was going to Circle-G every morning and drinking coffee and listening to the important "news" with the local farmers.
Ben made a positive impact on every person he met. He never knew a stranger and you could feel warmth in his heart when he was around. His kind-hearted spirit welcomed everyone and therefore ultimately left a lasting impression of what a great man and role model he was.
Benjamin is survived by his loving daughters, Lanell Kolb(Roy), Martha Janousek(John Esley), and son-in law Lindsey Eubank(Kimberly Moore); grandchildren Amy Kolb Gardner(Clint), Kevin Kolb (Whitney), Kristin Eubank, Amanda Eubank Jackson (Lee), Ryan Eubank, Justus Eubank (Lauren), Michael Janousek (Alyssa), Megan Janousek (Madison McDonald); great-grandchildren, Lane, Landry, and Hayden Gardner; Kamryn, Atley, Saylor, and Parker Kolb; Kylie, Kynlee, Axton, Britton, and Jett Jackson; Campbell and Jack Eubank; and Leighton Janousek.
Benjamin was preceded by his parents, Tom, Paula, and Victoria Kotara; his wife, RoseMary, and his daughter, Sandra Eubank; his brothers Alois, Wency, and Adrian Kotara, and sister Bernice Kotara Opiela.
A visitation will be held on Wednesday, August 28, 2024 from 9:00 to 10:00 am, at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church in Poth, Texas. A Rosary will be recited there beginning at 10:00 am, followed by the Funeral Mass at 10:30 am. Interment will be held at Blessed Sacrament Cemetery in Poth, Texas. Father Paul Raaz will officiate.
Serving as pallbearers are Amy Kolb Gardner, Kevin Kolb, Michael Janousek, Megan Janousek, Kristin Eubank, Amanda Eubank Jackson, Ryan Eubank and Justus Eubank.
The family would like to thank Compassus Hospice and especially his compassionate caregiver, Maria Gonzalez, for the care she provided to "Mr. Ben" during his last few months.
The family of Benjamin would like to invite all guests to join them for a lunch reception immediately following the services in the church hall.