Edward F. "Red" Marek, beloved husband and "Papa" to his children and grandchildren, passed away on Friday, February 7, 2014, after a lengthy illness.
Edward was born on January 24, 1944, to Edward J. and Isabel Marek in San Antonio. He attended St. Mary Magdalen's School and graduated from Edison High School. He married the love of his life, Brenda, his "Lady," in 1974. They were happily married and devoted to each other for 40 years, sharing family, travel, hunting, and working side-by-side every day in their family business.
Edward grew up quickly and began working in his early teens with a paper route and at a gas station. He was a member of the Plumbers & Pipefitters Local 142 and worked with Pisano Electric, C&J A/C, Honeywell, and then with his father's plumbing, heating and A/C business in San Antonio before starting his family business, Boerne Air Conditioning, in 1980. He also volunteered in the Boerne EMS and Fire Department.
Edward was an avid deer hunter his entire life and particularly proud to be a "South Texas Hunter". He realized a lifelong wish in 2005 when he became a record holder in the Boone & Crockett Trophy Bucks Records Club. But he took his greatest pride in sharing his hunting passion with his children and especially with his grandchildren. He gave each and every one of them their first rifle and guided them to harvest their first deer. With his family surrounding him, he spent many happy years in the hunting camps around the camp fires and created precious memories for everyone.
Edward is survived by his beloved wife, Brenda; son, Jack Marek; his stepchildren and their spouses, Michael Finch and Gala, Mark Finch and Jennifer, and Michelle Cruz and Ed. He also leaves behind his grandsons, Chad Marek, Derek Finch and wife Emily, Seth Finch, Denver Finch, Austin Finch, Clayton Finch, Jeffrey Cruz, and his only granddaughter, Victoria Cruz; loving sister Patsy and husband Craig Mecke; brother David and wife Sandy Marek; brother and sister-in-law Bill and Kay Dozier; numerous cousins; and many hunting buddies. He will also be greatly missed by his special "best friend," Sadie. His son, Troy Marek, a SAPD detective, preceded him in death in 2012.
The family wishes to acknowledge Father Jimmy Drennan of St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Honey Creek, Texas, for his compassion and comfort.
Edward set the example of what a good husband, father, grandfather, and brother should be. His amazing heart and boundless strength is his legacy to the family he was devoted to. "Papa" will always have a very special place in our hearts forever.
A memorial service will be held Saturday, February 15, 2014, at 11:00 a.m. at Ebensberger-Fisher Funeral Home. To leave condolences for the family and to view a video of Edward's life, please visit www.ebensberger-fisher.com and select the Obituaries tab. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Boerne Volunteer Fire Department at 726 N. Main St., Boerne, TX 78006 or the Kendall County EMS Memorial Fund at 1175 N. Main St., Boerne, TX 78006.
Arrangements with Ebensberger-Fisher Funeral home of Boerne.