Roll Call Tribute

Daniel Peter Pawlik 

December 28, 1923 - January 19, 2024 

Daniel Peter Pawlik (100), former County Extension Agent for San Patricio and Aransas Counties, passed away January 19, 2024.

Dan was born in Groom, Texas in 1923 to John D and Florence Ann Urbanczyk Pawlik. Dan was a WWII Navy veteran, having served in the Pacific Theater along with three of his brothers. He graduated in 1951 from the Agricultural and Mechanical College of Texas (TAMU) with a degree in Horticulture. He was an Assistant County Extension Agent in Cameron County for 3 years then the County Agent in San Patricio and Aransas Counties from 1954 until he retired in 1979.

As a County Extension Agent, Dan received numerous awards and recognition for his work in crop field demonstration plots with the results published annually for many years. He tested one of the first cotton module builders in San Patricio County which eventually led to the demise of cotton trailers. He was a prolific writer of newspaper articles for the San Patricio County News and had his own early morning radio show for several years. However, it was his strong belief in developing leadership skills and in the participation of community affairs that led to his work and development of area youth through the 4-H club programs. The 1980 San Patricio County Show was dedicated to Dan.

He was commissioned a 2nd LT in the US Army in 1951. He served in both the Texas National Guard and then the US Army Reserves until his retirement in 1981 as an LTC. He also served as company commander of the local VFW until his retirement at the age of 88.

He is preceded in death by his first wife of 52 years, Rita Ann Wasson; his parents; sons, David and Steve, brothers; Chester, Johnny, Louie, Leonard, and Arnold; sister, Lillian Hargis; sisters-in-laws, Marianne Bell, Mary Pfeifer, Kandee Robinson, Marietta Bell, and brother-in-law Jess Hargis; stepson, Edwardo Zapata.

He is survived by his second wife of 23 years, Melba; sons, Rob (Susan), Danny (Nancy), and Mike (Carol); and daughters, Cindy (Paul) Sorensen, and Karen Robinson; 20 grandchildren and 14 great grandchildren. He is survived by two stepsons, Oscar (Velma), and Bobby (Phyliss), and one stepdaughter Velma (Orlando) Garcia, 7 step grandchildren and 5 step great grandchildren.

Guestbook available online at www.resthavenfunerals.com 

Arrangements and care entrusted to Resthaven Funeral Home, Sinton.