Joseph Frank Pavelka VII
Joseph Frank Pavelka VII
February 26, 1947 — June 10, 2018
Joseph Frank Pavelka VII of Bedias, Texas, passed away peacefully in his sleep on Sunday, June 10, 2018, at the Veterans Hospital in Temple. He was 71 years old. Services were held Monday, June 25, at the Central Texas Veterans Cemetery in Killeen, Texas. Known as Joe to some and “Jr.” to many others, he was born on Feb. 26, 1947, to Joseph Frank Pavelka VI & Wilma Faye (Williamson) in Kingsville, Texas.
Joe grew up around Corpus Christi, where he attended Mary Carroll High School. He had an interest in auto mechanics which proved useful for the rest of his life. During the height of the Vietnam War, he joined the Army and served our country; a time he didn’t talk about much. After being honorably discharged, he went back to Corpus Christi and worked at Dairy Queen. Later he moved to Dallas and then Houston, where he worked at Brown & Root in Pasadena, the same company as his father. During the mid-80s, he and his family moved to Austin.
A native Texan, he worked in the construction field for the remainder of his life. He had side interests and businesses in painting and a BBQ trailer. Near retirement, he spent many years taking care of and overseeing details while living with his mother in Marble Falls. Jr. loved to cook, entertaining everyone as often as possible with food; making a mouth-watering brisket anytime of the year and on cold winter days, an award winning batch of chili. “How’s that taste?” was a frequent saying of his. He picked up recipes from various places and a favorite was that of an awesome carrot cake! Over the last several years his favorite pastimes of visiting family and cooking for them was limited so instead, he spent most of his time talking on the phone with relatives. Sometimes, he had so much to say it was difficult just to get off the phone-sure has been quiet lately.
Joe was preceded in death by both of his parents, his brother Robert and nephew Christopher. Joe was married twice, and also leaves behind four loving children, Joseph Pavelka of Austin, Jennifer Pavelka of Alba, Leslie Shoemaker of Midland, and Danelle Roberts of Austin. He had seven grandchildren Joey, Kaley, Alyssa, Korynne, Lucas, Jacob, and Jackson. He also had a great-grand child “JP.” They all called him ‘Papa Joe’ and he adored every one of them, including Kiersten, Kaden, and Kaleb. He also leaves behind his siblings: JoAnn, Bill, George and their spouses, children and many cousins and friends he kept in close contact with.
With stubborn pride to match his sometimes smart mouth (an apparent family trait); he was our weatherman, cook, gardener, & mechanic. Dad, you will be missed.
In lieu of flowers, the Pavelka family respectfully requests contributions be made to the Disabled American Veterans Charitable Service Trust at dav.org in memory of Joe Pavelka Jr., notification recipient Leslie Shoemaker, 4204 Valley Drive, Midland, TX 79707.
