Kenneth Charles Blazek, 62, passed away peacefully at his home in Rice, Texas on Monday, September 2, 2013. Kenneth was born in Ennis, Texas on February 24, 1951 to Elick C. and Libbie Haskovec Blazek. He grew up in Ennis and graduated from St. John High School in 1969. On January 16, 1981, he married Jo Gilbert and they made their home in Rice, Texas. He worked for over twenty years in the family business, Blazek Building Supply, and opened the Waxahachie Building Supply location in the late 1980’s. After he retired in 2000, he was able to devote his time to his true passion, ranching. Kenneth was a member of the Knights of Columbus, KJT, and a retired member of the Rice Volunteer Fire Department. He was an active supporter of Rice youth organizations. He enjoyed the outdoors and spent time with his children hunting and fishing. His hobby was woodworking and especially enjoyed building furniture. He was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather. He was preceded in death by his parents Elick and Libbie Blazek and one infant brother, Elick A. Blazek. He is survived by his wife, Jo Blazek; children, Jason Blazek and wife Alice, Jessica Blazek, Stacy Lane and husband Gary, and Kimberly Gray and husband Robert. His life was blessed by ten grandchildren: Bailey, Brady, Brooklyn, and Boston Blazek, Jordan Blazek, Joshua and Kristen Lane, and Mikey, Ethan, and Emily Gray. He is also survived by two brothers: Robert Blazek and wife Polly, Gregory Blazek and wife Deanna; six sisters: Libbie Ann Veselka and husband Bill, Barbara Hornik and husband David, Elsie Slovak and husband Joe, Judy Hornik and husband Richard, Irene Harlan and husband Brian, and Emily Langer and husband Rick along with numerous nieces, nephews, and extended family. Visitation will be on Friday, September 6, 2013, from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m. in the J.E. Keever Mortuary of Ennis. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, September 7, 2013 at 10 a.m. in the J.E. Keever Mortuary Chapel of Ennis with Rev. Eddie Ballard officiating. Interment will follow at Rice Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Mark Veselka, Robert Kovar, Dale Hornik, Russell Hornik, Jeremy McGahan, and Kevin Langer. An online guest book is available at www.jekeevermortuary.com.
