Roll Call Tribute

Michael David "Mike" Kalina 

February 20, 1951 - March 16, 2024 

Funeral services for Michael "Mike" Kalina, 73, of Lexington, Texas, are scheduled for 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, March 23, 2024 at Holy Family Catholic Church in Lexington with Father Joy Adimakkeel officiating. A Rosary will be recited Saturday morning prior to the service at 10:30 a.m. Visitation will be held on Friday, March 22, 2024 from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. and on Saturday, March 23, 2024 from 7:00 a.m. until 9:00 a.m. at Phillips and Luckey Funeral Home in Giddings. The family will be present for visitation Friday evening from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m.

Michael David Kalina was born on February 20, 1951 in Wharton, Texas to Wilbert “Bill” Willie Kalina and Viola Ludmilla (Sabrsula) Kalina. He graduated from Boling High School in 1969 and received his degree from Texas A & M University in 1973, where he was a member of the Corps of Cadets. Mike married Carolyn Hester on December 11, 1993 in Hungerford, Texas. He taught at the Boling Independent School District for 32 years. After retiring from education, he worked for the Lee County Sheriff’s Department from 2008 until 2016. Mike loved everything that was Texas A&M University, especially the Corps of Cadets. He was also a huge fan of westerns - particularly those starring John Wayne - and enjoyed hunting, fishing, and golfing.

Mike passed away unexpectedly the morning of Saturday, March 16, 2024 at St. Joseph Regional Health Center in Bryan.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Bill & Viola Kalina; two sisters, Sandy Morse and Brenda Humberson; one brother, Wilbert Wayne Kalina, Sr.; one sister-in-law, Jeanette Kalina; and a nephew, Brian Humberson.

Mike is survived by his wife, Carolyn Hester Kalina of Lexington; five children, Amanda & Wyatt Shanks of Georgetown, Lynette McKinney & Curt Elledge of Lexington, Rocky & Lisa Wisnieski of Cedar Creek, Ace & Leigh Blankenburg of Lexington, and John & Sarah Kalina of El Campo; thirteen grandchildren, Myriah & Tyler Hatch, Savannah & Alex Esquivel, Alyssah & Collin Little, Cole McKinney, Briscoe, Trinity, Langtry, Liberty, Justice, and Addison Blankenburg, and Jessica & Jake Kalina and Nathan Peters; five great grandchildren, Dash, Jett, and Field Hatch and Lylah & Norah Esquivel; two brothers, Gary & Rosemary Kalina of Wharton and Jeff & Laura Kalina of Newgulf; three sisters-in-law, Beth Kalina of Wharton, Darlene & Dicky Jones of Sweeny, and Beverly & Mike Fine of Sweeny; two brothers-in-law, Jerry Humberson of Wharton, and William & Denise Hester of Needville, as well as a host of nieces and nephews.

Memorials may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project or to the charity of one’s choice.