Jerry Antone Zmolik
Jerry Antone Zmolik died peacefully in his sleep, surrounded by his family on December 29, 2023. He was 92.
Jerry was born on January 17, 1931 (during the Depression) to Julie and Joe Zmolik in Ennis, Texas (the oldest of nine children). He suffered with a long illness and had been confined to his home for many years.
Jerry spoke only Czech until he was eight years old when he began school. He helped on his family farm until he graduated from St. John’s High School in Ennis and then attended trade school. Jerry married Patsy Parma in 1953 and went to work for Austin Brothers Steel for several years until he began his 41-year career as a postman for the US Postal Service from which he retired in 1999.
Jerry was never idle and even in retirement looked after his cattle and cleaned the bar at the KJT Hall. He loved the outdoors and spent as much time as he could fishing with his brothers, camping with his family or sitting outside watching the clouds. Since watching the weather was important on the farm, he prided himself on being an amateur weatherman.
Jerry was strong in his Catholic faith and had a strong devotion to The Blessed Mother Mary whom he attributes to helping him acquire his post office job.
Jerry is survived by his loving wife of 70 years, Patricia (Patsy) Parma Zmolik and his five daughters and their families, Donna Hocker Beyer and her husband Stephen, Patti Walker Ruderer and her husband Tommy, Millie Littleton and her husband Mark, Theresa Holland and her husband Marty and Jeri Lynne Harrison and her husband Clark. In addition, Jerry was blessed with eleven grandchildren and thirteen great-grandchildren.
Jerry is preceded in death by his parents, Julie and Joe Zmolik, his son-in-laws Charles Hocker and James Walker, his grandson-in-law Gary Greener, his great-granddaughter Emma Rose Williamson, his sister Geraldine Haskovec and her husband Edwin, his sister Etheline Sylvester and her husband Wayne, and three brothers, Jodie Zmolik, Leonard Zmolik and Benny Zmolik. He is also preceded in death by his mother-in-laws, Millie Valek Parma and Lillian Shebesta Parma and his father-in-law Wesley Edward Parma, his brotherin- laws, Wesley Edward Parma, Jr., Robert Parma, and John Henry Parma. In addition, he is survived by his brothers Jimmy Zmolik and his wife Hazel, Larry Zmolik and his wife Henriette, sister Joan Nors and her husband James, sister-in-laws Doris Zmolik, Carolyn Zmolik and Evelyn Zmolik. He also survived by his sister-in-laws, Joan Parma, Susan Parma, Sharon Parma and sisters and brother- in-laws, Janis and Joseph Sladecek, Karen and Dennis Parma, Linda and Richard Parma, and numerous nieces and nephews whom he truly loved.
Heartfelt gratitude is extended to Jerry’s two angelic caregivers Ramona Jones and Emma Potter for their years of dedicated service and care for Jerry. Both are loved like family. In addition, special thanks go out to the Traditions Nurses and to the Bluebonnet Care Facility Staff for their loving care for Jerry.
Visitation was held at J.E. Keever Mortuary in Ennis, Texas on Thursday, January 4, 2024, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. with the Rosary at 7:00 p.m.
Mass of Christian Burial was held on Friday, January 5, 2024, at 10:00 a.m. in St. John Nepomucene Catholic Church in Ennis, Texas, 401 E. Lampasas. Interment was held at St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery, 300 S. Jeter Drive, Ennis, immediately following. A post-funeral reception followed the burial service at the KJT Dining Room, 1216 S. Paris Street.
Pallbearers were grandsons Brandon Hocker, Kenny Holland, Hardy Walker, Austin Littleton, Tucker Littleton and Brennan Harrison. Honorary Pallbearers were grandson Bennett Harrison and great-grandsons Payton Matous, Gabe Matous, Lucas Matous and Joshua Williamson.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent to: Layman’s Catholic Cemetery Trust, 806 South Paris St., Ennis, TX 75119 or a charity of your choice.
