Name: Visitation for Martin Vavra
Start: 2023-10-20T22:00:00.000Z
End: 2023-10-21T00:00:00.000Z
Location: Memorial Funeral Chapel - Bryan

Vavra, Martin

August 15, 1925 - October 13, 2023

Martin was born in College Station, Texas. Upon graduating from A&M Consolidated High School in 1943, he joined the Navy and served as a gunner in the Merchant Marines and a fire fighter at the Los Angeles Naval Air Station before being discharged in 1946.

Martin attended Texas A&M University and received his Bachelor of Science degree in Agricultural Engineering in 1949. Martin met his wife Geraldine (Deany) at a country dance in Kurten, Texas and they were married in 1951.

He was employed by the United States Department of Agriculture, Soil Conservation Service throughout Texas for 34 years. He obtained his Professional Engineer License and was a member of the American Society of Agricultural Engineers.

Martin was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church where he served as an usher and served on the Mount Calvary Catholic Cemetery board of directors. He was a life member of the Knights of Columbus Council 1834, the American Legion Post 159 and the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 4692.

Upon retirement in 1983, Martin and Deany returned to Bryan and built their retirement home in the Kurten area. Together they enjoyed country living until 2013, when they moved to Arbor Oaks in Bryan, and later to Morningside Ministries at Menger Springs in Boerne.

He is survived by his wife of 72 years, Deany; daughter, Karen and Bob Freeman; son, Dennis and Alicia Vavra; grandchildren, Bill and Melissa Freeman, Bobby and Rachel Freeman, Adrienne Vavra, and Alexis (Vavra) and Jason Thurston; great grandchildren, Clara Nell, Finley, and Dean Freeman; Tyler, McKayla, and Gabriel Thurston, and numerous nieces, nephews, and friends.

Funeral services will be held at 11:30 AM, Saturday, October 21, 2023 at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Bryan, Texas with Reverend Monsignor John McCaffrey officiating. Livestream at https://youtube.com/live/gR0W99gVSzc?feature=share

Burial will follow at the Mount Calvary Catholic Cemetery in Bryan with military honors. Visitation for family and friends will be from 5 to 7 PM, Friday, October 20, 2023 at the Memorial Funeral Chapel in Bryan. Rosary will be at 6 PM. Livestream Rosary and Interment at facebook.com/memorialbryan

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Bryan-College Station Eagle on Oct. 19, 2023.

Memories and Condolences
for Martin Vavra

Sponsored by Memorial Funeral Chapel - Bryan.

5 Entries

Anne Boykin

November 6, 2023

I finally found the photograph of Martin and my Dad when they worked together for the Soil Conservation Service in the late '40s. My Dad, Calvin C. Boykin, Jr. is on the left. Martin is the third from the left. I remember the Vavras from when I was a little girl. They were always so sweet to us.

Richard & Cathie Bettge

October 24, 2023

Martin was a mentor of mine during my early years with the Soil Conservation Service. I always had the utmost respect for his wisdom and engineering knowledge and considered him a close friend. He was instrumental in my career development. Cathie and I offer our sincere condolences to Deany and the family.

Anne Boykin

October 20, 2023

Martin and Deany were long time friends of my parents, Rosemary and Cal Boykin, when we lived in West Texas and Daddy and Martin were working for the Soil Conservation Service in the late `40s and early `50s. Our parents remained friends with Martin and Deany until Mother and Daddy passed in 2008. My sister, Karen, and I gave great memories Martin and Deany and thought of them as family. We are so saddened at Martin´s passing. Our most sincere condolences go out to Deany and his family. May he Rest In Peace.

Hugh and Elizabeth Thompson

October 20, 2023

We first met Martin and Deany when we were neighbors in Kurten in 1969 and remained friends thereafter. They were a lovely couple and we loved them as family. We had many good visits over the years, particularly after we were all retired and they were living at Arbor Oaks. After they moved away, we were not able to see them again and missed them terribly. We loved them both and will miss them forever.
Hugh & Elizabeth Thompson

Janet George

October 19, 2023

Karen and Dennis, thank you for "sharing" your parents with me! I met Martin and Deany through my father after all three had moved into Arbor Oaks. Over the years, I had numerous happy occasions where I got to visit with them and get to know them. I cannot say enough good things about both of them. I only wish the world was full of more people like your mom and dad! Martin and Deany were kind, caring, hard working, thoughtful and quick-witted! Mostly, they were and are easy to love. Martin was a Godly, kind and GOOD man, which is really something to say in these times today. To say that I have missed their company since they moved is an understatement. May God bless you and your families in this sad time, and I hope it is some comfort to you to know that they were and are loved by others who have been lucky enough to have shared time with them.

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