Milton Jerry Dlabaj
Milton Jerry Dlabaj, 81, joined his beloved in heaven this past week. Milton was born on July 20, 1940, to Frank J, and Helen Vrana Dlabaj. He grew up in Ennis and attended St. John School. After discharge from the Navy, he married Neva Rush and they had 2 sons, Dennis Dlabaj and Jeffery Dlabaj.
Later, Milton married (Billye) Joy Kitchens and they made their home in Ennis. Milton worked for the Southern Pacific Railroad for over 40 years as a rail engineer. After his retirement, Milton and Joy moved to Streetman, TX, where he continued to live even after Joy’s death in 2012.
Milton enjoyed fishing, partying on the water, music and watching old westerns. He and Joy traveled in their RV to attend Blue Grass festivals. He like to play guitar and sing and enjoyed karaoke. Milton loved to listen and sing Czech music (polkas and waltzes). In his younger days, he enjoyed dancing to country music also. Milton loved his Catholic faith and was thrilled when Joy came into the church also.
Milton served in the Navy for 6 years on a carrier ship, the USS Coral Sea, during the Vietnam War. He was a long-time member of American Legion posts, where he served in different positions as an officer.
Milton is survived by his sons: Dennis Dlabaj and wife, Nancy, of Allen, and Jeffery Dlabaj and wife, Joanna, of Ennis; three grandchildren: Natalie Dlabaj, Ben Dlabaj and Aaron Dlabaj; two stepdaughters: Cindy Wilson, and Brenda Sifuentes and husband, Joe, of Ennis; and one stepson, Mike Shelton. Milton is survived by his 9 brothers and sisters: Jerry Dlabaj and wife, Loretta; Geraldine Hanson, Margie Hammonds, Frankie Dlabaj, David L. Dlabaj, Helen Yarbrough and husband, Jerry; Raymond Dlabaj, Billy Dlabaj and wife, Lollie; Mary Ann Hager and husband, Wes.
Milton was preceded in death by his wife, Joy; his parents, brothers-in-law, Walter Hanson and Robert Hammonds; stepson, Larry Shelton, stepdaughter, Kimberly Shelton-Roth, step-son-in-law, Lawrence Wilson and one step-grandson, Brandon Sifuentes.
Visitation will be held on Sunday, February 6, 2022, from 3 p.m. until 5 p.m. with Rosary at 4 p.m.
Mass of the Christian Burial will be held on Monday, February 7, 2022, at 10 a.m. in the St. John Nepomucene Catholic Church with Father John Dick as celebrant. Pallbearers will be Aaron Dlabaj, William Dlabaj, Alex Jones, Tony Jones, Joe Sifuentes and Alec Navarro. Interment will follow in St. Joseph Cemetery in Ennis under the direction of J.E. Keever Mortuary, Inc.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donation in Milton’s name be made to the St. Joseph Cemetery Trust Fund or to St. Bernard Clairvoux Church, 630 W. Main, Fairfield, TX 75840.
