Leon Louis Prachyl
Leon Louis Prachyl, born on September 10, 1934, in Ennis, Texas, to Louis and Agnes Prachyl, peacefully passed away on December 23, 2023 surrounded by family. He was one of seven siblings who grew up on a cotton farm between Boyce and Ennis. Leon attended St. John Nepomucene Catholic School, where he formed a strong foundation that would guide him throughout his life. He proudly graduated in 1953.
After completing his education, Leon enlisted in the United States Air Force, demonstrating his commitment to service and duty. Following his honorable service, he married his love, Evelyn Holy, on April 26, 1958 in St. John Catholic Church, following in the footsteps of both of their parents. They continued on to be lifelong members of the church. Together, they built a life centered around faith, love, family, and hard work.
Leon embarked on a long and industrious career at Ennis Business Forms, where he operated a printing press. His work ethic and dedication were unparalleled, and he took on additional jobs, including driving the St. John’s School Bus, a lifetime of farming, and engaging in carpentry projects with his boys and Gene Pechal just about every Saturday. Leon worked tirelessly to provide for his family, a testament to his unwavering love for them.
Creating their home near his family farm in Ennis, TX, Leon and Evelyn were blessed with five children. Their family grew to include two daughters, Karen and Kim, and three sons, Greg (Dutch), Carl, and Jeff. Leon was not only a loving father but also a dedicated provider, raising cows and cultivating the most extensive garden in the area. He spent many days with family at the family meat house processing klobase, bacon, jaternice, making homemade sauerkraut and canning anything you could think of all while enjoying a cold pivo. He and Evelyn spent hours together picking pecans each fall, which he would crack and shell all winter long, filling the deep freeze for the family to enjoy.
Leon’s love for the outdoors was evident in his passion for tending to cattle and feeding catfish. Whether in his own pasture or at the Holy Farm, he found solace and joy in nature. Traveling was another of his great joys, and he cherished spending time with family and friends.
As the years passed, Leon found immense joy in the frequent visits from his children and grandchildren, relishing moments spent together, especially during lively games of Chickenfoot. His infectious smile and strong leadership made him the heart and soul of his family.
Leon is survived by his devoted wife of 65 years, Evelyn; daughter, Karen Epps and husband, Randy; son, Dutch Prachyl and wife, Cindy; son, Carl Prachyl and wife, Kelly; son, Jeff Prachyl and wife, Kerri, and daughter, Kim Tay and husband, Ronnie. He leaves behind a legacy through his 15 grandchildren and their spouses, 37 great-grandchildren, and 2 great-great-grandchildren. Also survived by his brother, HT Prachyl and wife, Sharen; brother Jimmy Prachyl, and sister Cindy Lacasse and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his mother and father, Louis and Agnes Prachyl and his brothers, Bobby, Louis and Eugene Prachyl.
Leon Louis Prachyl will be remembered for his enduring love, hard work, and the warmth of his ever-present smile. May he rest in peace, surrounded by the love and cherished memories he created with his beloved family and friends.
A Visitation will be held at J.E. Keever Mortuary on Monday, January 1, 2024 at 6:00PM with Rosary at 7:00PM. Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Tuesday, January 2, 2024 at 10:00AM in the St. John Nepomucene Catholic Church. Interment will follow in St. Joseph Cemetery under the direction of J.E. Keever Mortuary, Inc.
