Jack Machala

Jack Alois Machala, 79, of Sealy, Texas, passed away peacefully at home on August 30, 2025, after a courageous battle with cancer.

Born on August 16, 1946, in Houston, Texas, Jack was the beloved son of Vivian and Joe Machala. He spent his childhood exploring the outdoors of San Felipe, Texas, where he enjoyed riding horses, fishing, and helping his daddy with projects around the house. Jack graduated from Sealy High School in the Class of 1964 and proudly served his country in the United States Navy, spending time at sea in active duty.

After returning home, Jack earned his Associate's Degree from Blinn College and took courses at Texas A&M University.

Jack began a lifelong love story with the lovely Sharon Prihoda. The two were married on July 20, 1974, and recently celebrated 51 joyful years of marriage. Together, they embraced a life of adventure-scuba diving, parasailing, exploring national parks, cruising, attending concerts, and skiing on both snow and water.

Jack built a successful 35-year career with Southwestern Bell/AT&T, rising through the ranks from lineman to engineer. He was admired for his tireless work ethic, appreciated for his kindness, and always ready with a quick joke or a hearty laugh.

Jack had a gift for lighting up any room-with a warm smile, a pat on the back, and his easygoing charm. He made friends wherever he went. As a father, he was present and devoted, always cheering loudly from the stands or sideline. He was always willing to go the extra mile-literally and figuratively-for his daughters. Whether driving hours to fix a flat tire, picking us up without question, planning trips to the mountains, the lake, and the beach, he did it all with unwavering love and a full heart.

Weekends were filled with frisbee in the backyard, ping pong in the garage, and dominoes with family members of all ages. He loved lighthearted rounds of golf with his sons-in-law and was a formidable tennis opponent-often beating his daughters with unpredictable spin shots and laughter.

As a grandfather, "PoPo" was fun, engaged, and full of life. He pushed strollers, watched "car cars go bye-bye" with every grandchild, and was known for making the world's best pancakes. No matter the Texas heat, he showed up for their sports games to cheer on his grandkids with pride.

Jack was also a gifted handyman and a creative soul. He never backed down from a project-whether it was home improvement, automotive repair, or crafting something from scratch. A self-described "shade tree mechanic," he had a lifelong love for classic cars and motorcycles. In retirement, he poured his passion into restoring a T-Bucket hot rod, customizing it in his signature burgundy and white with gleaming chrome details.

Jack is survived by his loving wife, Sharon Machala, and their daughters: Carrie Grant, Robin Sloan, and Mindy Elle Albert. He is forever cherished by his seven grandchildren: Hudson (14), Lincoln (11), Bodie (11), Adley (11), Ryker (9), Rockwell (7), and Finley (7).

He is also survived by his mother, Vivian Machala, whom he cared for lovingly until his final days; his brother, Jerry Machala; and his sisters, Bonnie Jones and Betty Jo Schroeder, with whom he shared close and cherished relationships.

Jack was preceded in death by his father, Joe Machala, and half-sister, Joann Walla.

A celebration of Jack's life will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, September 9, 2025, at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Frydek, Texas. Visitation will begin at 9:00 a.m., followed by the Rosary at 10:00 a.m., and Mass at 10:30 a.m. Burial will follow at Frydek Cemetery, with a meal at St. Mary's Parish Hall.

Jack will be remembered for his boundless love, his sense of humor, and the joy he brought to all who knew him.