EMIL JOSEPH SOCHA, JR.

Emil Joseph Socha, Jr. (E.J.) went to be with God on Saturday, June 10, 2023, at the age of 83. He was born Dec. 18, 1939, in Taiton, Texas to Emil, Sr and Leona (Bubela) Socha. He grew up in Taiton and El Campo area and graduated from El Campo High School in 1958. He attended Wharton Junior College and then enlisted in the US Air Force where he served from 1960-1964. He married the love of his life, Margie Kulhanek, on Oct. 25, 1964, at Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Frelsburg, Texas where he remained an active member until his death.

E.J. was a hardworking man that labored outside. He worked the majority of his career at Colorado County Precinct #3 as a mechanic where he retired in 1995. He loved being outdoors. He woke up at 4 a.m. every morning to drink his coffee and do his outside chores. In 1998, he suffered from a severe stroke that he battled until the day he passed. He enjoyed a good game of dominoes and was famous for “shooting the moon” with the worst hand but winning anyhow. He loved watching the Astros and old westerns.

The true joy of E.J.’s life was his wife, children, and grandchildren. He had the best and biggest smile that he greeted everyone with. He was married to Margie for 58 years. They raised five children. Catherine Michalsky (Paul), Kimberly Kemper (John), Robert Socha, Monica Meyer (Joseph), and Nicole Cardenas (Craig). He is survived by his sister, Joyce Zbranek (Clarence), brother-in-law, Gene Kulhanek, brotherin- law Delbert Kulhanek (Laura) and sister-in-law, Darlene Zettel. He is also survived by his grandchildren Amanda Bruner, Zachary Holder (Kaitlyn), Ashley Holder, Justin Meyer (Sumer), Jared Meyer (Haley), Molly Michalsky, and Jacob Meyer. Also, he is survived by his great grandchildren Costas, Alden, and Lily Raney, Adalyn and Brooks Holder, and Quinn Meyer as well as numerous nephews and nieces.

E.J. was preceded in death by his parents, sister JoAnn Ballard, sister and brother-in-law Carol and Dave Brown, sister-in-law Gracy Kulhanek, brotherin- law Charlie Zettel, nephews Tim and Gabriel Kana, and great-granddaughter Ellie Jo Meyer (Little EJ).

The family would like to express their gratitude to Dr. David Neisner and the wonderful nurses and staff at Columbus Community Hospital.

Visitation was Tuesday, June 13, 2023, from 5-7 p.m. at Henneke Funeral Home in Columbus, Texas. The Rosary followed at 7 p.m. Funeral Mass was on Wednesday, June 14, 2023, at 10 a.m. at Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Frelsburg, Texas under the prayerful direction of the Very Rev. Bob Knippenberg. Burial followed at the church cemetery.

Pallbearers were Zachary Holder, Justin Meyer, Jared Meyer, Jacob Meyer, Colby Kulhanek, Tim Kulhanek, David Brown, and Alan Zbranek. Honorary pallbearers were his granddaughters and great-grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers, E.J.’s family would greatly appreciate donations to Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church, 1031 Church Lane, New Ulm, Texas 78950.

Online condolences may be given at www.hennekefuneralhome. com.