Clarence Lee Junek

 

Clarence Lee Junek, 99, of Snook passed away at Fortress Nursing and Rehabilitation of College Station on November 4, 2023.  A visitation for Clarence will be held on Friday November 17, 2023, from 5pm – 7pm at Strickland Funeral home in Somerville. Funeral Service is set for 10am at the Snook Brethren Church on Saturday November 18, 2023. Interment will follow the service at the Snook cemetery.

Clarence was born on June 29, 1924, in Snook, Texas, to John Adam and Minnie (Orsak) Junek. He was a welder at the Houston shipyard before enlisting in the US Army serving with the 2nd Infantry Division which landed on Normandy Beach on D Day plus one.  He fought his way thru France and into Germany. He was captured on a scouting patrol in France before escaping the next day with his buddy. They were reunited with their division, and he refused to be sent to a non-combat location, instead he volunteered to stay in active combat.  He would say later that he was told he was crazy.  After fighting their way thru France and into Germany, Clarence was wounded by heavy artillery fire knocking him unconscious and shrapnel in his body.  After a 7 month stay in two different Army hospitals, he was honorably discharged on April 30, 1945, and returned to Snook where he and his cousin Ivo opened a welding shop/gas station at the location which later was operated by the Fick brothers.  Later he went to work at the Shell Refinery, then Bryan Field, then to College Station Post Office, before going back to welding at Alcoa in Rockdale.  Later he would go to Texas A&M as the lead welder. After retiring he continued running cattle until just last year.  He always said the Geezinslaw Brothers had it right in their song “Snook is the Only Town for Me.”

On September 18, 1947, he married the love of his life, Dallia Paschall of Somerville.  They were married for over 76 years.

Clarence is preceded in death by his parents, sister Doris Matcek, and three brothers, Elo, Johnnie, and Frank.

Survivors include his wife Dallia Junek, his daughter Karen (JD) Schovajsa, his sons Roland and Clarence W. Junek, 7 grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Serving as pall bearers are members of the Lee Scott Lodge #793.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Hope Evangelical free church, Snook Brethren Church, Snook Cemetery, or to Lee Scott Lodge #793 in Somerville.

Special Thanks to Traditions Home health, in particular to Jennifer Spencer of Caldwell, his favorite nurse, and to Burleson County Health Resources and Hospice of Brazos valley.