Descendants of Franz Gerik
Franz Gerik (M) was born in 1861 in Austria, died on 1 Mar 1943 in
Fayetteville, Fayette, Texas, United States, at age 82, and was buried in 1943
in Fayetteville Catholic Cemetery, Fayetteville, Fayette, Texas, United States.
The cause of his death was Hit by a car while walking down a road/Multiple
fractures including his skull. Another name for Franz was Frank Gerik.
Noted events in his life were:
• He had a residence in 1880 in Justice Precinct 2, Fayette, Texas, United States.
• He had a residence in 1910 in Justice Precinct 2, Fayette, Texas, United States.
• He had a residence in 1920 in Ellinger, Fayette, Texas, United States.
• He had a residence in 1930 in Precinct 2, Fayette, Texas, United States.
• He had a residence in 1940 in Justice Precinct 2, Fayette, Texas, United States.
Life Sketch
Frank Gerek was a great-great- grandfather for
Thomas Joseph Elias.
His given name was likely Frantisek, shortened to
Franz, then called Frank in Texas. Several different spellings of his surname
have been located, including Gerik, Gerek, Geryk and Gerick.
He is
believed to have been born 1861 in Morava. Several estimated references to 1860
exist in the various US Census records as well as 1864. Unfortunately, his death
certificate does not state his birthdate. Several vague birth places have been
located for him Austria, Czechoslovakia, Europe, and the most specific being
Moravia. It is possible that his parents were Frantisek Geryk and Anna Matusova,
furthermore, his father's parents may have been Tomas Geryk and Anna Cernoch.
He immigrated to Texas as early as 1883, but most likely 1890 if his daughter
Anna was born about 1886 in Europe.
Frank was likely married before 1886
to an unknown person that was the mother of his child Anna, who was my
great-grandmother. No marriage evidence has been located at the time of this
writing. It is likely that this was while he was still living in Europe. In
1910, he is listed as Widowed.
He and Francis Marianna Baron were married
on 04 Jun 1912 in Fayette County, Texas. They had 2 sons.
In 1910, he
lived alone in Fayette County, Texas. He remained in Fayette County until his
death.
There is a good chance that he knew another of my great-great
grandfathers, Johan Elias. They both lived in the Fayette County area during the
same period.
Frank died 1 Mar 1943 in Fayette County, Texas with a
fractured skull because of being hit by a car and is buried in the Fayetteville
Catholic Cemetery.
Obituary
Frank Gerik of Rek Hill was fatally injured Monday
afternoon while walking on the highway near Pool Branch. He was struck by a car
driven by the wife of Ed Orris, and died at the office of Dr. Lewis within a few
hours.
Mr. Gerik had reached the age of about 80 years; he is survived by
his wife and several children. Funeral services were conducted Monday afternoon
from the Knesek Funeral Chapel, with services in the Catholic church, Rev. F. D.
Urbanovsky officiating. Burial was in the Catholic cemetery.
Franz married someone. He had one daughter: Anna.
Anna Gerik (F) was born on 22 Aug 1886 in Moravia, Czechoslovakia, died
on 25 Aug 1938 in Crosby, Harris, Texas, United States, at age 52, and was
buried in 1938 in Chapel Of The Pines Cemetery, Crosby, Harris, Texas, United
States. The cause of her death was hypostatic pneumonia.
Noted events in her life were:
• She had a residence in 1920 in Justice Precinct 3, Harris, Texas, United States.
• She had a residence in 1930 in Precinct 3, Harris, Texas, United States.
Life Sketch
Anna Gerik was the great-grandmother of Thomas
Joseph Elias. She was also known as Annie.
Anna was born 22 August 1886
in Moravia, Czechoslovakia to Franz Gerik. Her mother is also unknown at the
time of this writing.
She immigrated to the USA in 1877.
She was
likely a housewife and homemaker.
She married Charles Marek on 22 Aug
1912, in Crosby, Texas. They had 8 children.
She died in 25 Aug 1938 (age
52) in Crosby, Texas caused by hypostatic pneumonia. She is buried in Chapel of
the Pines Cemetery, Barrett, Texas.
Anna married Charles Marek, son of Vincenc Marek and Terezie Schiller, on 22 Aug 1912 in Harris, Texas, United States. Charles was born on 1 Nov 1874 in Austin, Texas, United States, died on 15 Mar 1931 in Crosby, Harris, Texas, United States, at age 56, and was buried in Chapel Of The Pines Cemetery, Crosby, Harris, Texas, United States. The cause of his death was hemorrhage from a gastric ulcer. Another name for Charles was Carl Marek. They had eight children: Edward Jerry, Mary Tracy, Frank Anton, Margret Anna, Louis Adolf, Alice Elizabeth, Raymond David, and Benjamin Ike.
Noted events in his life were:
• He had a residence in 1880 in Precinct 5, Austin, Texas, United States.
• He had a residence in 1900 in Justice Precinct 5 (north part), Austin, Texas, United States.
• He had a residence in 1905 in Crosby, Harris, Texas, United States.
• He had a residence in 1910 in Justice Precinct 3, Harris, Texas, United States.
• He had a residence in 1920 in Justice Precinct 3, Harris, Texas, United States.
• He had a residence in 1930 in Precinct 3, Harris, Texas, United States.
Edward Jerry Marek (M) was born on 19 Sep 1913 in Crosby, Harris, Texas,
United States, died on 30 Dec 2001 in Houston, Harris, Texas, United States, at
age 88, and was buried in 2001 in Chapel Of The Pines Cemetery, Crosby, Harris,
Texas, United States.
Noted events in his life were:
• He had a residence in 1920 in Justice Precinct 3, Harris, Texas, United States.
• He had a residence in 1930 in Precinct 3, Harris, Texas, United States.
• He had a residence in 1935 in Rural, Harris, Texas, United States.
• He had a residence in 1940 in Justice Precinct 3, Harris, Texas, United States.
• He had a residence on 21 Apr 1950 in Harris, Texas, United States.
Edward married Margaret Louise Matthews, daughter of Thomas Floyd Matthews and Albina Kucera, about 1934. Margaret was born on 10 Mar 1918 in Sugar Land, Fort Bend, Texas, United States, died on 27 May 2010 in Houston, Harris, Texas, United States, at age 92, and was buried in 2010 in Chapel Of The Pines Cemetery, Crosby, Harris, Texas, United States. They had four children: Melvin Floyd, Rosalie Louise, Edward Wayne, and Betty Lois.
Noted events in her life were:
• She had a residence in 1920 in Justice Precinct 1, Jackson, Texas, United States.
• She had a residence in 1930 in Edna, Jackson, Texas, United States.
• She had a residence in 1935 in Rural, Harris, Texas, United States.
• She had a residence in 1940 in Justice Precinct 3, Harris, Texas, United States.
• She had a residence on 21 Apr 1950 in Harris, Texas, United States.
Melvin Floyd Marek (M) was born on 31 Oct 1936 in Crosby, Harris, Texas,
United States, died on 31 Oct 1936 in Crosby, Harris, Texas, United States, and
was buried in 1936 in Chapel Of The Pines Cemetery, Crosby, Harris, Texas,
United States. He had no known marriage and no known children.
Rosalie Louise Marek
Rosalie married Bobby Ray Whiddon. They had two children: Rodney Ray and Dwayne Douglas.
Rodney Ray Whiddon
Dwayne Douglas Whiddon
Edward Wayne Marek
Edward married Joyce Elaine Thompson. They had two children: Jason Edward and Melissa Elaine.
Jason Edward Marek
Melissa Elaine Marek
Melissa married Rickie John Synatschk, son of Walter John Synatschk and Alma Theresia Biehle.
Melissa next married someone. He had one daughter: Ashlee Pearl.
Ashlee Pearl Marek
Betty Lois Marek
Betty married William Gust Diamond. They had one son: Jack Edward.
Jack Edward Diamond
Mary Tracy Marek (F) was born on 15 Oct 1914 in Crosby, Harris, Texas,
United States, died on 26 May 2003 in Texas, United States, at age 88, and was
buried in 2003 in Chapel Of The Pines Cemetery, Crosby, Harris, Texas, United
States.
Noted events in her life were:
• She had a residence in 1930 in Precinct 3, Harris, Texas, United States.
• She had a residence in 1935 in Rural, Harris, Texas, United States.
• She had a residence in 1940 in Justice Precinct 3, Harris, Texas, United States.
Mary married PVT Louis George Franta, son of Louis Franta and Helena Agnes Krystynik. Louis was born on 29 Dec 1915 in Fayetteville, Fayette, Texas, United States, died on 12 Nov 1944 in Belgium, at age 28, and was buried in 1944 in Henri-Chapelle, Arrondissement de Verviers, Liège, Belgium. The cause of his death was Killed in action WWII, Belgium. They had one son: David Ray.
Noted events in his life were:
• He had a residence in 1930 in Precinct 3, Harris, Texas, United States.
• He had a residence in 1935 in Rural, Harris, Texas, United States.
• Louis served in the military 1940s.
• He had a residence in 1940 in Justice Precinct 3, Harris, Texas, United States.
David Ray Franta
David married Margaret Ann Lynch. They had four children: Sharon Rene, David Louis, David Ray, and Michelle Lene.
Sharon Rene Franta
Sharon married Arthur Conan Brown, son of Arthur Jeffrey Brown and Dorothy Marie Willis. They had two children: David Christopher and Krystina Mykhaila.
David Christopher Brown
Krystina Mykhaila Brown
David Louis Franta (M) was born on 19 Aug 1969 in Harris, Texas, United
States, died on 21 Aug 1969 in Bellville, Austin, Texas, United States, and was
buried in 1969 in Crosby, Harris, Texas, United States.
David Ray Franta Jr.
Michelle Lene Franta
Frank Anton Marek (M) was born on 18 May 1918 in Crosby, Harris, Texas,
United States, died on 14 Dec 2014 in Crosby, Harris, Texas, United States, at
age 96, and was buried in 2014 in Sterling White Chapel and Cemetery, Highlands,
Harris, Texas, United States.
Noted events in his life were:
• He had a residence in 1930 in Precinct 3, Harris, Texas, United States.
• Frank served in the military between 27 Jul 1936 and 26 Jul 1939.
• He had a residence in 1940 in Justice Precinct 3, Harris, Texas, United States.
• He served in the military between 2 Feb 1942 and 8 Dec 1945.
• He had a residence on 22 Dec 2002 in Crosby, Harris, Texas, United States.
Frank married Vivian Mae Urbanovsky, daughter of Rudolph L. Urbanovsky and Celestine Zapalak. Vivian was born on 10 Feb 1921 in Fayetteville, Fayette, Texas, United States, died on 22 Aug 2011, at age 90, and was buried in 2011 in Highlands, Harris, Texas, United States. They had six children: Patricia Ann, Kenneth Ray, Sharon Marie, Marie Ann, Frank Lee, and Thomas Rudolph.
Noted events in her life were:
• She had a residence in 1930 in Fayetteville, Fayette, Texas, United States.
• She had a residence in 1940 in Fayetteville, Justice Precinct 2, Fayette, Texas, United States.
• She had a residence on 22 Dec 2002 in Crosby, Harris, Texas, United States.
Patricia Ann Marek
Patricia married Richard Lee Akin. They had two children: Nicole Stefanie and Todd Michael.
Nicole Stefanie Akin
Todd Michael Akin
Kenneth Ray Marek
Kenneth married Elva Alicia Smith. They had one son: Maxwell Kevin.
Maxwell Kevin Marek (M) was born on 16 Jan 1985 in Nueces, Texas, United
States, died on 9 Apr 1988, at age 3, and was buried in 1988 in Sinton, San
Patricio, Texas, United States.
Sharon Marie Marek
Sharon married Robert Brooke Henderson. They had two children: James Robert and Brooke Renee.
James Robert Henderson
Brooke Renee Henderson
Marie Ann Marek
Marie married Bruce Wayne Wylie. They had one daughter: Jennifer Renee.
Jennifer Renee Wylie
Frank Lee Marek
Thomas Rudolph Marek
Thomas married Julia Myona Smith. They had one son: Christopher Thomas.
Christopher Thomas Marek
Margret Anna Marek (F) was born on 13 Dec 1920 in Crosby, Harris, Texas,
United States, died on 21 Feb 2016 in Kingwood, Harris, Texas, United States, at
age 95, and was buried in 2016 in Chapel Of The Pines Cemetery, Crosby, Harris,
Texas, United States.
Noted events in her life were:
• She had a residence in 1930 in Precinct 3, Harris, Texas, United States.
• She had a residence in 1935 in Rural, Harris, Texas, United States.
• She had a residence in 1940 in Justice Precinct 3, Harris, Texas, United States.
• She had a residence on 10 Apr 1950 in Crosby, Harris, Texas, United States.
• She had a residence on 22 Dec 2002 in Crosby, Harris, Texas, United States.
Margret married Willie Janik, son of Peter Paul Janik and Marie Hornicek. Willie was born on 28 Feb 1911 in Texas, United States, died on 1 Jan 1985 in Harris, Texas, United States, at age 73, and was buried in 1985 in Chapel Of The Pines Cemetery, Crosby, Harris, Texas, United States. They had three children: Edith Evelyn, Bernice Mae, and Willie Lee.
Noted events in his life were:
• He had a residence in 1930 in Precinct 4, Liberty, Texas, United States.
• He had a residence in 1935 in Rural, Liberty, Texas, United States.
• He had a residence in 1940 in Justice Precinct 3, Harris, Texas, United States.
Edith Evelyn Janik (F) was born on 10 Jan 1940 in Harris, Texas, United
States, died on 4 Feb 1940 in Harris, Texas, United States, and was buried in
1940 in Crosby, Harris, Texas, United States.
Bernice Mae Janik
Willie Lee Janik (M) was born on 6 Jun 1943 in Crosby, Harris, Texas,
United States.
Louis Adolf Marek (M) was born on 14 Jul 1923 in Crosby, Harris, Texas,
United States, died on 18 Nov 1984 in Houston, Harris, Texas, United States, at
age 61, and was buried in Houston National Cemetery, Houston, Harris, Texas,
United States.
Noted events in his life were:
• He had a residence in 1930 in Precinct 3, Harris, Texas, United States.
• Louis served in the military 1940s.
• He had a residence in 1940 in Justice Precinct 1, Harris, Texas, United States.
• He had a residence on 3 Apr 1950 in Longrun, Ozark, Missouri, United States.
Louis married Mary Louise Tunnell in 1950 in Douglas, Missouri, United States. Mary was born on 20 Apr 1932 in United States, died on 24 Jun 1990 in Houston, Harris, Texas, United States, at age 58, and was buried in Houston, Harris, Texas, United States. They had three children: Peggy Ann, Susan Elaine, and Doyle Wayne.
Peggy Ann Marek
Susan Elaine Marek
Doyle Wayne Marek (M) was born on 30 Jul 1958 in Houston, Harris, Texas,
United States and died on 15 Jun 1998 in Houston, Harris, Texas, United States,
at age 39.
Doyle married Amina F. Amiolemeh.
Alice Elizabeth Marek (F) was born on 26 Jun 1925 in Crosby, Harris,
Texas, United States, died on 10 Jul 2012 in Spring, Texas, United States, at
age 87, and was buried in Jul 2012 in Klein Memorial Park, Tomball, Harris,
Texas, United States. The cause of her death was Brain aneurisms.
Noted events in her life were:
• She had a residence in 1930 in Precinct 3, Harris, Texas, United States.
• She had a residence in 1935 in Rural, Harris, Texas, United States.
• She had a residence in 1940 in Justice Precinct 3, Harris, Texas, United States.
• She had a residence on 24 Apr 1950 in Houston, Harris, Texas, United States.
• She had a residence from 1960 to 2012 in Spring, Montgomery, Texas, United States.
• She had a residence on 22 Dec 2002 in Spring, Harris, Texas, United States.
Life Sketch
Alice Elizabeth Marek was the grandmother of
Thomas Joseph Elias, my sisters and I called her Gramma.
Alice was born
26 Jun 1925 in Crosby, Texas to Charles Marek and Anna Gerik. She was one of 15
siblings and halfsiblings, the 6th child of Charles' second marriage.
Her
father died when she was 6, and after her mother died when she was 13, she lived
with the Hederhorst family where she was a live-in maid, housekeeper, and
babysitter. She lived there until she married Johnnie in 1942.
She was a
housewife and did not have a formal job, she raised the family and sold cleaning
products like Swipe to earn extra income. She was an immaculate housekeeper,
there was no dust anywhere in her house. She and Johnnie were incredibly
involved with the church.
She was raised Lutheran but converted to
Catholicism after she married Johnnie the first time.
She rarely drank
alcohol but would on special occasions have one cherry vodka. She was an
excellent cook and made the best fruit kolaches on earth.
She spoke the Czech
language as well as English, her mother also spoke Czech, and that is likely
where Alice learned the language.
Alice and Johnnie Raymond Elias were
married on 15 Jun 1942 (JP) and 29 Oct 1942 (Church). They had 4 children.
It is interesting how Johnnie and Alice came to know each other. The Elias and
Marek families were both from the Fayette County area, but both families moved
away many years before. Louis Elias moved his family to El Campo in 1913-1914,
and Charles Marek, moved the Marek family before 1913 to Crosby. Johnnie and
Alice lived more than 100 miles apart, but their families certainly had common
ties.
1958, Johnnie and Alice purchased a new Edsel automobile. They
traded their '49 Mercury in towards the car.
They were so immersed in the
church doctrine that they had a tough time with some of the spouses that their
children chose.
Gene married Sandra Littlefair that was Baptist, Gerri
married Stanley Sacks that was Jewish and Theresa Married James Pagitt that was
a Lutheran. Dominick was the only child that married a Catholic, Janie.
They were so against Gene marring Sandy, they got him fired from his job and
even refused to sign for his marriage, hoping that they would not get married.
They did not speak to Gene for almost a year, it was not until their first
grandson Thomas was born that they began to speak to Gene.
She and
Johnnie lived in Houston after getting married and remained there until the
1960s when they moved to Glen Loch Dr. in Spring, Texas. It was rural at the
time; it was before The Woodlands was built. She lived there until she was
hospitalized prior to death.
She lived alone after Johnnie died in 2003.
Alice died 10 Jul 2012 in Tomball, Texas (age 87). She spent her final years in
various care facilities where she was dealing with the complications of several
brain aneurisms. She is buried in the Klein Memorial Park in Tomball, Texas (on
FM 2920) with her husband.
Alice married Johnnie Raymond Elias, son of Louis Elias and Viola Sralla, on 15 Jun 1942 in Houston, Harris, Texas, United States. Johnnie was born on 16 May 1918 in Ganado, Jackson, Texas, United States, died on 13 Aug 2003 in Spring, Harris, Texas, United States, at age 85, and was buried in 2003 in Klein Memorial Park, Tomball, Harris, Texas, United States. They had four children: Eugene Joseph, Geralyn Marie, Theresa Ann, and Dominick Gerald.
Marriage Notes: They have 2 marriage dates: 15 Jun
1942 was a JP marriage, 29 Oct 1942 was a Catholic Church wedding. This was
because Alice went through catechism to be recognized by the Catholic Church
(Alice was a Lutheran). They met at a social dance in Crosby, Texas. Johnnie's
family may have gone to visit his Uncle Martin who had a farm in Crosby.
Noted events in his life were:
• He had a residence in 1920 in Ganado, Jackson, Texas, United States.
• He had a residence in 1930 in Precinct 3, Jackson, Texas, United States.
• He had a residence in 1940 in Commissioner's Precinct 2, Jackson, Texas, United States.
• He had a residence on 24 Apr 1950 in Houston, Harris, Texas, United States.
• He had a residence from 1960 to 2003 in Spring, Montgomery, Texas, United States.
Eugene Joseph Elias (M) was born on 1 Dec 1943 in Houston, Harris, Texas,
United States, died on 24 Apr 1992 in Brenham, Washington, Texas, United States,
at age 48, and was buried in 1992 in Earthman Resthaven Cemetery, Houston,
Harris, Texas, United States. The cause of his death was Automobile crash.
Another name for Eugene was Gene Elias.
Noted events in his life were:
• He was employed.
• He had a residence on 24 Apr 1950 in Houston, Harris, Texas, United States.
• Notable: Fidel Castro Cuban rule start, 1959.
• He was employed in Sep 1961.
• He was employed from 1965 to 1975.
• Notable: Movie: The Good, the Bad and the Ugly was released, 1966.
• He had a residence in 1972 in Spring, Harris, Texas, United States.
• Notable: Movie: The Sting was released, 1973.
• He had a residence in 1982 in Brenham, Washington, Texas, United States.
Life Sketch
Eugene Joseph Elias was the father of Thomas
Joseph Elias. He was known to most as Gene.
Gene was born on 1 Dec 1943
in Houston, Texas to Johnnie Raymond Elias and Alice Elizabeth Marek. He was the
1st of 4 siblings.
Gene was an automobile / large truck mechanic by
trade. He always had something witty and humorous to say for every occasion. He
was also well versed at playing practical jokes. He is remembered as having a
witty humorous thing to say for every occasion.
He dropped out of St.
Pius parochial high school at age 17.
At age 5 (1950), Gene lived with
his parents in Houston, Texas. In 1960, he lived with his parents and 2 younger
sisters Gerri and Terri in Houston.
Gene grew up in the Heights area of
Houston on 26th street. He attended St. Pius parochial school until he dropped
out at age 17. His parents pushed him to become a priest, which he was not
interested in doing. As a teen, he wore a ducktail hairstyle and had a record
collection of the Platters.
He was employed in 1958 in Houston at the
Kallus Egg Company when he was 15 where he performed egg quality checks on the
packaging line. He also helped Mr. Kallus drive the truck to Kansas to get eggs
and bring them back to Texas. This was his first real job. He was let go because
his parents did not like his girlfriend/future wife (Sandy) and Mr. Kallus was
their friend. His parents hoped that if Gene lost his job, he would not marry
Sandy, and would marry the girl they chose / arranged for him to marry. He was
not interested in this arranged marriage.
Early 1960. Gene's parents
owned a 1949 Mercury that he liked and would 'borrow' on occasion to go riding
around with his friends. His parents decided to get a new Edsel. He attempted to
purchase the Mercury from them, but his parents did not sell it to him, instead
they traded it for the Edsel. He then went to the car dealership and purchased
the Mercury (for less money than they got in trade for the car).
Gene and
Sandy met in early September 1960 when Gene drove down Key Street, the street
Sandy lived on. Sandy was walking to a friend's house, and he stopped his car
and asked if she knew someone he was looking for, a friend of his that owed him
money thinking that he lived in the neighborhood, but she did not know his
friend. Sandy does not know why she walked right up to his car, but she did.
After that he drove by her house often and they started dating. Their first date
was to a movie in downtown Houston at the Majestic Theater.
Gene's
parents did not want him to associate with Sandy since she was not the girl his
parents had picked and she was not a Catholic girl (she was Baptist), his
parents did not approve of her. They did not want Gene to date or marry her.
Gene's parents were so against him marrying Sandy, they got him fired from his
job and even refused to sign for his marriage, hoping that they would not get
married. They did not speak to Gene for almost a year, it was not until their
first grandson Thomas was born that they began to speak to Gene.
Early
November 1960, Gene wrecked his '49 Merc. He picked up 3 friends every day and
they all went to school together. He was the only one with a car. He was on his
way to take his friends to school, and someone backed out in front of him, and
he could not stop in time.
Late November 1960, being frustrated with his
parents' attitude towards Sandy, Gene and Sandy ran away. They got on a bus and
went to California. They were put on the police runaway list and one report came
in that Sandy was seen in Virginia, which was not correct. They were found in
Bakersfield, California and picked up and taken to juvenile hall for 3 days
where they could not see each other. Sandy was in isolation and Gene had to do
cleaning work. On Thanksgiving Day, they were allowed to eat dinner together in
the mess hall. Sandy sat on the guy's side of the room. Sandy's father (Ben)
talked to both on separate calls and said if they would come back home and stay,
he would pay the bus fare. Gene's dad would not pay anything. End of November
1960, when Gene and Sandy got home from California, his parents did not want him
there if he was going to be with Sandy, but his parents said if Sandy took
catechism to become a catholic, they would sign for Gene to get married, and
Sandy's dad said he would also sign for her to get married. On the day that we
were to pick up the papers so we could get married in the church Gene's father
had gone to city hall and removed his signature so they could not get married.
Gene was very mad and that was when he moved out of his parents' home. He got an
apartment near Buffalo bayou and Studemont before he and Sandy got married.
December 1960, his soon-to-be father-in-law (Ben) had a car he had reposed that
he gave to Gene so he could get to work.
Despite the wishes of Gene's
parents, he and Sandra Kay "Sandy" Littlefair were married on 21 Jan 1961, in
Missouri City, Texas. When he and Sandy were on their way to get married their
car broke down and they had to call Sandy's father (Ben) to take them to get
married. On the way back Ben fixed the car so they could go to their apartment.
They were married at the Justice of the Peace office.
With financial help
from Sandy's father (Ben), Gene and Sandy moved to a garage apartment on
Crosstimbers and Fulton in February. Gene did what he could to make money but
did not have much. Ben brought them groceries and gave them a little money every
week. He was 17 and Sandy was 15.
March 1961, Gene got a job working
construction on the I-45 Pierce Elevated. He was afraid of heights and when he
almost fell from a beam carrying materials, he had to leave that job. He was
still working there when they moved into the duplex. They lived in a duplex
while Sandy was pregnant with TJ. They moved out in July because of a rat
infestation, the rats would open the screen door to go out and open it again to
come back in. He learned how to saltwater fish from Ben. They would fish often
in the Galveston bays. Ben had a 14' Chris Craft boat and was ready to camp and
fish anytime. On one occasion Ben, Sandy and Gene went to West Bay and Ben
caught a Redfish and had it in the live well. Gene was new to fishing and had
not seen a big fish up close before, so it took it out of the well to examine it
and the fish flopped back into the bay. Ben never let Gene forget that event.
September 1961 Sandy's uncle (Bill Daniels) got Gene a job at Hogan Equipment on
Harrisburg Dr. in Houston. His job was to sweep and clean up the shop. He would
help the tech's when they needed help and learned how to repair the forklifts.
He was a fast learner. He knew a little about mechanics that he learned from Ben
who taught him mechanical skills. Uncle Bill would come and pick him up every
day to take him to work and bring him home.
Early 1960s - His
father-in-law (Ben) taught him how to saltwater fish; they would fish often in
the Galveston bays. Ben had a 14' Chris Craft boat and was ready to camp and
fish anytime. On one occasion Ben, Sandy and Gene went to West Bay and Ben
caught a Redfish and had it in the live well. Gene was new to fishing and had
not seen a big fish up close before, so it took it out of the well to examine it
and the fish flopped back into the bay. Ben never let Gene forget that event.
In 1962, Gene, Sandy & TJ lived in east Houston off 59 near Pasadena. When TJ
was 1 yr. old. Gene & Sandy lived on 1105 Enid St Houston (The Heights area) in
1963 when Tammy and Debbie were born. The rent was $50 a month. This is when
they bought their 1st brand new truck that cost $2,575.
The family took a
trip to El Campo and Garner State Park in July 1964.
August 1965, the
family purchased their first house on Soren Lane when Debbie was only 6 months
old. This house cost less than $10,000. They sold the house in May 1972.
In 1965, He worked at Armor meatpacking as a truck mechanic, then transferred to
plant maintenance when Armor outsourced their trucking. He left Armor in 1975.
1965-1975, the family took annual vacations by car to many places, most without
a specific agenda. There were trips to Illinois, Colorado, Florida, west Texas,
south Texas, Monterey, Mexico, Tennessee and more. Camping and fishing trips to
the local lakes, rivers and gulf were frequent.
July 1965, the family
took a trip to Illinois to visit Sandy's grandmother (Fannie).
1968, Gene
& Sandy purchased a new 1968 Ford pickup truck. This was a truck that Sandy's
father (Ben) had ordered for himself which he could get with an employee
discount from Ford. Ben had to wait another year to get a 1969 truck.
1971, Gene, Sandy, Johnnie, Alice, Gerri, Terri, & Dominick went to Laredo,
Mexico. They watched a bull fight. The matador tossed the bull's ear between
Gerri & Terri, they scattered and the guy behind them got the ear.
2 May
1972, the family moved to Carrot Street in Spring, Texas. Gene and Sandy bought
the home for $17,000 and sold it for $75,000 on 21 Aug 1982 to Tom Valover
realizing a profit of $52,014.67.
1975, he started his own mechanical
shop in Tomball, Texas. Sandy did the bookkeeping. He had that for about 2 years
then closed because he could not take any time off.
1976, he worked as a
school bus maintenance technician for the Klein School District.
1977, he
went to work for Occidental Western Oil and Transportation as a truck
maintenance technician. It was located on Aldine Bender in Houston. July 1977,
the family went on a fishing, camping and boating vacation to Lake Houston.
1981, Gene and Sandy went to El Campo, Texas for an Elias Family Reunion.
1982, Gene, Sandy Tammy & Debbie moved to Jackson League Circle in Brenham,
Texas. They purchased their house in July and moved on September 18th They
rented the house out for 2 months to the sellers. Gene's company moved there
from Houston. They had previously looked there and hoped some day we could live
in Brenham. They loved living in Brenham.
Gene and Sandy bought a
freshwater boat and learned how to freshwater fish and fished in local lakes
often. They were members of a local Bass fishing club and would compete in
tournaments all over Texas. Sandy learned how to pull the boat and get it in the
water. She would often take the boat out alone during the day. The shop where
Gene worked was between their house and Lake Somerville so when Gene got off
work, he would come to Lake Somerville, and they would fish the lake until dark.
This went on until Gene died. Gene and Sandy continued to take trips to various
places: They visited TJ in Biloxi, Mississippi. and Sumpter, South Carolina,
when he was stationed at those places with the U.S. Air Force. They also went to
Dollywood, the Shiner brewery and even a Louisiana hayride.
About 1987,
Gene purchased a 1978 Ford F-150 pickup truck and sold his 1968 truck.
1988, Gene & Sandy went to Dollywood in Pigeon Forge, TN.
Gene died on 24
Apr 1992 in Brenham, Texas (age 48) because of an automobile crash. He was hit
head on while traveling home from work. His body is at the Earthman Resthaven
Funeral Home in in North Houston, Texas in a mausoleum. His wife's body will be
placed there as well when she dies.
Eugene married Sandra Kay Littlefair, daughter of John Benjamin Littlefair and Anola Beatrice Oliver. They had three children: Thomas Joseph, Tammy Sue, and Debra Kay.
Thomas Joseph Elias
Thomas married Cynthia Carol Catlett, daughter of Ernest Gene Catlett and Mamie Josephine Sandefur.
Thomas next married Susan Denise Woodward, daughter of Clifton Boykin Woodward and Patricia Ann Evans.
Tammy Sue Elias (F) was born on 2 Jul 1963 in Houston, Harris, Texas,
United States and died on 4 Jul 2021 in Bryan, Brazos, Texas, United States, at
age 58. The cause of her death was accidently choked on food.
Tammy married Douglas Ray Draehn, son of Melvin Max Eduard Draehn and Lydia Emma Eickhoff.
Debra Kay Elias
Debra married Ronnie Dee Smith, son of Tommy Jerald Smith and Patricia Ann Miller. They had one daughter: Brittany Anne.
Brittany Anne Smith
Brittany married Jose Hector Hernandez.
Brittany next married Jonathan Frederick Haro, son of Jorge Enrigue Haro and Linda Darlene Morton. They had three children: Keegan Stanley, Brodie Joseph, and Landon Jon.
Keegan Stanley Haro
Brodie Joseph Haro
Landon Jon Haro
Geralyn Marie Elias
Geralyn married Stanley Joseph Sacks, son of Herman Sacks and Mollie Lainoff, on 17 Jun 1972 in Harris, Texas, United States. Stanley was born on 18 Aug 1941 in Bronx, New York, United States, died on 10 Jun 2007 in Jacksonville, Duval, Florida, United States, at age 65, and was buried in 2007 in Orange Park, Clay, Florida, United States. They had two children: Holly Allison and Jeremy Michael.
Holly Allison Sacks
Holly married Robert Huffman. They had one son: Hunter.
Hunter Huffman
Jeremy Michael Sacks
Jeremy married Nydia J. Torres. They had one son: Ryan Sebastian.
Ryan Sebastian Sacks
Geralyn next married Martin X. Lynch.
Theresa Ann Elias
Theresa married James Buford Pagitt Jr., son of James Buford Pagitt Sr. and Geneva Costlow, on 12 Aug 1978 in Harris, Texas, United States. James was born on 31 Aug 1951 in Brazos, Texas, United States, died on 2 Apr 2016 in Tomball, Harris, Texas, United States, at age 64, and was buried in Tomball, Harris, Texas, United States.
Dominick Gerald Elias
Dominick married Janie Lee Takacs, daughter of Victor Charles Takacs and Mary Camille Jones. They had three children: Zackery Gerald, Mary Comille, and Lindsay Terese.
Zackery Gerald Elias
Zackery married Lauren Elizabeth Burns.
Mary Comille Elias
Mary married Alexander Christian Sullivan.
Lindsay Terese Elias
Raymond David Marek Sr. (M) was born on 12 May 1926 in Crosby, Harris,
Texas, United States, died on 23 Dec 2002, at age 76, and was buried in
Highlands, Harris, Texas, United States.
Noted events in his life were:
• He had a residence in 1930 in Precinct 3, Harris, Texas, United States.
• He had a residence in 1940 in Justice Precinct 3, Harris, Texas, United States.
• He had a residence on 22 Dec 2002 in Crosby, Harris, Texas, United States.
Raymond married Doris Claudine Wallace. They had two children: Charlotte Jean and Raymond David.
Charlotte Jean Marek
Charlotte married William Alsey Miller. They had two children: Bryan Alsey and Amanda Jo.
Bryan Alsey Miller
Amanda Jo Miller
Raymond David Marek Jr.
Raymond married Pamela Anne Roder. They had three children: Heidi Anne, Raymond David, and Kurt Daniel.
Heidi Anne Marek
Raymond David Marek III
Raymond married Deana Kay Hlavinka.
Kurt Daniel Marek
Benjamin Ike Marek (M) was born on 30 Aug 1928 in Crosby, Harris, Texas,
United States, died on 12 Jun 2011 in Chelsea, Suffolk, Massachusetts, United
States, at age 82, and was buried in 2011 in Malden, Middlesex, Massachusetts,
United States.
Noted events in his life were:
• He had a residence in 1930 in Precinct 3, Harris, Texas, United States.
• He had a residence in 1935 in Rural, Harris, Texas, United States.
• He had a residence in 1940 in Justice Precinct 3, Harris, Texas, United States.
• He had a residence on 22 Dec 2002 in Everett, Massachusetts, United States.
Benjamin married Evelyn M. Male, daughter of Bertram Male and Annie Elizabeth Bond, in 1950. Evelyn was born on 13 Jul 1930 in Boston, Suffolk, Massachusetts, United States and died on 1 Aug 2006 in Boston, Suffolk, Massachusetts, United States, at age 76. They had three children: Bennie, Carol Ann, and Diane L.
Noted events in her life were:
• She had a residence in 1935 in Revere, Suffolk, Massachusetts, United States.
• She had a residence in 1940 in Ward 2, Everett, Everett City, Middlesex, Massachusetts, United States.
• She had a residence on 22 Dec 2002 in Everett, Massachusetts, United States.
Bennie Marek Jr.
Carol Ann Marek (F) was born on 17 Oct 1952 in Everett, Middlesex,
Massachusetts, United States, died on 27 Jan 2009, at age 56, and was buried in
2009.
Carol married Kevin J. Fee in 1970 in Everett, Middlesex, Massachusetts, United States. Kevin was born on 10 Nov 1948 in Malden, Middlesex, Massachusetts, United States, died on 3 May 2009 in Massachusetts, United States, at age 60, and was buried in 2009 in Holy Cross Cemetery and Mausoleum, Malden, Middlesex, Massachusetts, United States. They had two children: Christian and Kimberly.
Christian Fee
Kimberly Baker
Diane L. Marek (F) was born on 21 Sep 1953 in Massachusetts, United
States and died on 7 Feb 1997 in Greenfield, Franklin, Massachusetts, United
States, at age 43.
Franz next married Frantiska Marianna Baron, daughter of Jos Baron and Anna, on 4 Jun 1912 in Fayette, Texas, United States. Frantiska was born in 1865 in Austria, died on 13 Feb 1954 in Fayetteville, Fayette, Texas, United States, at age 89, and was buried in 1954 in Fayetteville, Fayette, Texas, United States. Another name for Frantiska was Francis Baron. They had two children: Vaclav and Adolf Edward.
Noted events in her life were:
• She had a residence in 1920 in Ellinger, Fayette, Texas, United States.
• She had a residence in 1930 in Precinct 2, Fayette, Texas, United States.
• She had a residence in 1940 in Justice Precinct 2, Fayette, Texas, United States.
Vaclav Gerik (M) was born on 15 Jan 1914, died on 7 Aug 1996, at age 82,
and was buried in 1996 in Fayetteville, Fayette, Texas, United States.
Noted events in his life were:
• He had a residence in 1920 in Ellinger, Fayette, Texas, United States.
• He had a residence in 1930 in Precinct 2, Fayette, Texas, United States.
• He had a residence in 1940 in Justice Precinct 2, Fayette, Texas, United States.
Adolf Edward Gerik (M) was born on 18 Jun 1915 in Fayetteville, Fayette,
Texas, United States, died on 8 Feb 1988, at age 72, and was buried in 1988 in
Fayetteville, Fayette, Texas, United States.
Noted events in his life were:
• He had a residence in 1920 in Ellinger, Fayette, Texas, United States.
• He had a residence in 1930 in Precinct 2, Fayette, Texas, United States.
• He had a residence in 1940 in Justice Precinct 2, Fayette, Texas, United States.
• He had a residence on 9 May 1950 in Fayetteville, Fayette, Texas, United States.
Adolf married Mary Rose Spalek on 18 Feb 1947. Mary was born on 8 Feb 1919 in Texas, United States, died on 7 Jan 1961 in La Grange, Fayette, Texas, United States, at age 41, and was buried in 1961 in Fayetteville, Fayette, Texas, United States. They had three children: Dorothy Mae, Violet Annie, and Daniel James.
Dorothy Mae Gerik
Violet Annie Gerik
Daniel James Gerik
Web page Last Updated: 23 January 2025
