Benjamin Knapek

Benjamin P. Knapek, 86, a proud United States Air Force Veteran, beloved husband, brother, brother-in-law, uncle and friend, passed away peacefully on May 15, 2025, surrounded by loved ones.

Bennie, as known by most, was born April 13, 1939, at home in Jarrell, Texas, to Paul and Ella Knapek of Jarrell.

Bennie grew up in Jarrell with four sisters where he helped with farming. After high school he continued to farm and ranch until December 1961 when he joined the Air Force and served in Illinois and Okinawa, Japan. He was a 1st Sergeant at discharge in December 1965. After the military, he worked as a machinist for five years and then went back to his love of ranching and farming.

He met the love of his life, Barbara Pekar Knapek in 1996 and they were married May 23, 1998. They continued living in Jarrell farming and ranching until they moved to Elgin in August 2009, continuing until he retired from ranching in 2017. He was involved in the American Legion of Jarrell. He loved his crossword puzzles, his dogs, feeding his birds and squirrels and enjoyed watching Wheel of Fortune and old westerns. He also enjoyed riding around the pasture on his Polaris and had a deep love for Czech polka music.

Ben is survived by his wife, Barbara Pekar Knapek, sisters Annie Barron of Taylor, Betty Rychlik of Caldwell, and Mary and Charles Cain of Elgin, as well as numerous nephews and nieces and great nephews and nieces.

Ben was preceded in death by his parents, Paul and Ella Knapek of Jarrell, sister Dorothy Horadam of Victoria.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be made to Disabled American Veterans (DAV), The American Legion, or a charity of your choice.

Visitation will be held from 2:00 - 4:00PM with recitation of the Holy Rosary beginning at 3:00PM on Sunday, May 25, 2025, at Providence-Jones Family Funeral Home.

Mass of Christian burial will begin at 10:00AM on Monday, May 26, 2025, at Holy Trinity Catholic Church of Corn Hill. Interment will follow immediately at Holy Trinity Catholic Church Cemetery at Corn Hill.