Edward "Edd" Kelarek

May 15, 1928 – December 2, 2007

Edward "Edd" Kelarek, 79, longtime resident of Hilltop Lakes, went to be with his Lord and Savior on Sunday, December 2, 2007. Visitation will be from 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday December 4 at Hilltop Lakes Chapel. Services will be at 10 a.m. Wednesday December 5 at the chapel with a committal service at 3 p.m. at Seaton Brethren Cemetery.

Edd was born May 15, 1928, to John and Angeline Kelarek, where they lived on a farm outside of Temple, Texas. Being the oldest of four sons, Edd farmed with his family until his late teenage years. After farming, Edd became employed by American Desk Manufacturing as a furniture maker. From American Desk, Edd went to work for Chupik's, a window maker in Temple.

While working in Temple, Edd met the love of his life, Margie Kristinek, and on May 3, 1952, they were wed. Shortly after their marriage, Edd and Marge moved to Austin, where Edd went to work for Economy Furniture Company. While in Austin, Edd and Marge were blessed with raising two wonderful children, Chris and Karrie.

After three years of employment at Economy Furniture, Edd left to work for Piccadilly Cafeteria as an assistant manager. He worked for Piccadilly in Austin and Houston for 26 years, when he retired as a manager in 1990.

Almost immediately upon retiring, Edd and Marge moved to Hilltop Lakes, Texas (a golf course community northeast of Bryan/College Station), where they lived for almost 17 years.

While living at Hilltop, Edd became involved in many activities. The one he was most proud of was working as a member and officer of the Hilltop Lakes district of the Lions Club. For many years, he worked diligently and tirelessly for the many charities, activities and events that the Lions sponsored.

His favorite groups to work with were the Texas Lions Camp of Kerrville, where he served as a camp director, the Lone Star Lion's Eye Bank and the Leader Dogs for the Blind. His leadership roles within the Lions Club included president of the Hilltop Lakes Lions Club and district governor of District 2-S5 (2002 to 2003).

At the State Convention in Waco in 2005, Edd received the Lions International President's Humanitarian Award. When his term as district governor expired, Edd served as a trustee on the Lions Club Foundation, which provides financial assistance for humanitarian service grants and disaster relief. He served in this capacity up to the time of his death.

Edd expanded his role in the community by serving on the Normangee School Board for nine years.

As important as his work meant to him with Lions Club and the community, Edd placed more emphasis on his work with the church regardless of where he lived. At the Austin Brethren Church, he served as chairman of the Board of Elders and Building Committee. He also served as chairman of the Board of Elders for the Houston Brethren Church. Edd taught Sunday school, served as Sunday school superintendent and anywhere he was asked to help.

While at Hilltop Lakes, Edd was an active in the local church. The love for His Lord and Savior was the foundation by which he lived his life and the means by which he served in the community.
Edd touched the lives of many people with his dedication to community service but no lives were touched more than the love he showed to his family.

Survivors include his loving and devoted wife of 55 years, Marge; son Chris Kelarek and wife, Annette, of Pflugerville; daughter, Karrie Krumlauf and husband, Scott, of Cypress; three grandchildren, Daimon Krumlauf, Bethany Kelarek and Mikaela Kelarek; three brothers, Edmond Kelarek, Johnny Kelarek and Gene Kelarek; and numerous sister-in-laws, nieces and nephews.

The family wishes to express their gratitude to the doctors and nursing staff which work in the north tower, eighth floor of Scott and White Hospital in Temple, especially his dear friend Dr. Arthur Frankel, as well as to the many which came to visit, to share stories and offer prayers on his behalf.

Donations may be made to the Texas Lions Camp, P.O. Box 247, Kerrville, Texas 78029-0247 or the Cancer Research Institute (Myelodysplastic Syndrome) at Scott and White Hospital, 2401 S. 31st St., Temple, Texas 76508.