Henry Konvicka '45
September 1, 2016 2:17 PM
updated: September 1, 2016 2:19 PM
Kubena Funeral Home, Inc. obituary
507 South Main Street
Hallettsville, Texas 77964
Phone: 361-798-3271
Fax: 361-798-3340
Toll Free: 800-682-1285
Henry H. Konvicka
January 09, 1924 - August 24, 2016
Henry H. Konvicka, 92, of Hallettsville, passed away peacefully in his sleep on August 24, 2016, a patient at St. Mark’s Hospital in La Grange, TX. Henry was born on January 9, 1924 in Ammannsville, TX to Jim J. and Veronika Holub Konvicka. He was the eldest
of 6 children in a farming family living near Moravia TX. Henry attended Moravia School and graduated from Schulenburg High School in 1941. After graduation, he attended Texas A&M College from 1941 through 1943, Drafted from A&M into the US Army during World
War II. In the 8th Armored Division, he was assigned 50 Infantry soldiers whom he led into battles in Germany. He also served as a translator in Czechoslovakia and later became an aircraft pilot and instructor and a test pilot for Bell Helicopters in Ft. Worth.
Col. Konvicka had two tours of duty in Korea —the first during the Korean Conflict and then in 1963 where he was a battalion commander. In 1961, he had the privilege of flying Vice President Lyndon B. Johnson and Konrad Adenauer, Chancellor of West Germany,
on a goodwill mission to the Vice President’s ranch to cement international relations between Germany and the US. In his 25 years of Military Service he received: European-African Middle Eastern Campaign Medal; American Campaign Medal; Army of Occupation Medal
(Germany); World War II Victory Medal; Army of Occupation Medal (Japan); Korean Service Medal; Air Medal with 2 Oak Leaf Clusters (awarded 3 times); United Nations Service Medal; Army Aviator Badge; Republic of Korean Presidential Unit Citation Badge; National
Defense Service Medal with 1 Oak Leaf Cluster; Senior Army Aviator Badge; and General Staff Identification Bade.
After retiring as a Lieutenant Colonel from the Army in 1967, he settled in Austin with his family. There he started a boat manufacturing business and later retired from the Texas Commission for the Blind. In 1989, Henry married Lanora and they returned to
the Hallettsville area and began their retirement years with both of them serving the local military community. Henry was very active in the VFW, the American Legion, the Knights of Columbus, the Czech Heritage Society, Hallettsville Golf Club and an active
member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church. Many know Henry for his wonderful woodcraft items, of which he regularly donated to many of the local church picnics.
Henry was preceded in death by his father, mother, sister, brother-in-law, daughter, Linda, son, Michael and step-son Michael.
Henry is survived by his wife, Lanora, of Hallettsville; son, Kenneth and wife Cheryl, of Garland TX; Step Daughter Marcelle Parker Follis of Houston, Step Son Mark Parker and Desiree of Hallettsville, sisters, Marjorie McCaslin and Grace Konvicka of Austin,
Vernice Janis of East Bernard; brother, Jimmie Konvicka and Benny, of Stephenville; Grandchildren Erin Elliott; Ryan, Todd and Tyler Follis; Jennifer and Christopher Konvicka; Luke, Lauren and Tony Parker; Great grandchildren Hunter Follis, Brody Follis, Faith
Konvicka and Austin Konvicka and lots of loving nieces and nephews.
The Family would like to thank Oak Manor Nursing Home in Flatonia for the wonderful care of our Dad over the past year. Also, to Msgr. John, for his strong continuous and faithful relationship with our Dad.
Funeral Mass Service: 11 am, Monday, Aug. 29, 2016, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church of Hallettsville. Visitation: 4 pm, Sunday, at Kubena Funeral Home with Rosary starting at6 pm. Officiant: Msgr. John Peters. Memorials: Sacred Heart Catholic Church or Donor’s
Choice. Burial: Sacred Heart Catholic Cemetery.