Eugene Rudolph Janicek, 90, of Smiley, passed away Friday, September 27, 2013. He was born on March 11, 1923 in Milam County, Texas, the son of Julius J. and Mary Marak Janicek.

He graduated from Cameron Yoe High School in Cameron, Texas in 1940. Gene was working for Consolidated Aircraft in San Diego, Ca. when WWII broke out. He enlisted in the Army Air Force on 5-5-1942. At the end of the war on August 26, 1945, Gene’s plane was forced to ditch west of New Guinea. All 7 men aboard the plane got into 2 – 2-man life rafts. They floated through shark infested waters for 11 days. Two of the crew died on the 10th day from exposure and drinking salt water. They were buried at sea. On the 11th day, they landed on Tanimbar Island which was held by the Japanese. They were later rescued by the US Air Force. Gene was discharged on 11-11-1945 after spending over 2-1/2 years in the South Pacific.

Gene married Erleen Wehman Janicek on June 14, 1952.

After his military service, he was employed with Duncan Gas Company, Smiley Feed Store, and Holmes Foods, Inc. He retired as Office Manager of Holmes Foods in Nixon, Texas with over 20 years of service. Gene was a member of the American Legion Post in Westhoff and also a member of St. Aloysius Catholic Church in Westhoff.

He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Erleen W. Janicek of Smiley; son Donnie Janicek and wife Shelley of Smiley; son David Janicek and wife Beth of Key West, Florida; son, Mark Janicek and wife Tasha of Smiley; daughter-in-law Janice Cudney of Luling; brother, Raymond Janicek of DeSoto. He is also survived by his grandchildren: Darron Cudney and wife Kimberley of Wimberly; Ryan Cudney and wife Sherree of Brisbane, Australia; Ali Janicek of Austin; Blake Janicek and wife Andie of Smiley; Scott Janicek of Dallas; and Emilie Janicek of Smiley. Gene also had 2 great-grandchildren – Kellar and Kennedy Cudney of Wimberly.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers Al and Gordon Janicek; sister Rosalie Winfrey; and step-son Carl Cudney.

Visitation will be Sunday, September 29th from 5 PM – 7 PM at Finch Funeral Chapel in Nixon. The Funeral Service will be held at 10:00 AM Monday, September 30th at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Nixon, Texas with Father Kuriakose Ouseph officiating. Interment will follow at the Bundick Cemetery in Smiley.

Pallbearers include Darron Cudney, Blake Janicek, Kerry Dean, Ricky Parker, Bob Peck, and Joe Nuinez. Honorary pallbearers include Bennett Mitchell, Elmo Sample, Ollin Pierpont, and Bill Rob Miller. Memorials may be made to St. Philip’s Catholic Church of Smiley, the Smiley Hart Public Library, or the Smiley Volunteer Fire Department.

Arrangements are under the care and direction of Finch Funeral Chapel, LLC, of Nixon (830) 582-1521.

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