He was born July 24, 1926 in the small Czech community of Komensky, Texas. Gene was the youngest of nine children born to the late Frank and Frances (Rektorik) Hrncir. He has been preceded in death by his brothers Mike, Ike, Frankie, Manuel, and Daniel and his sisters, Sister Aline, Edith, and Helen Hrncir Gohlke.
He was raised on the family farm and attended Komensky School through graduation. He then attended Baldwin Business College and SWSTC in San Marcos, obtaining a bachelor’s degree in business.
His schooling was interrupted by his service in the U.S. Army during World War II; something he has always been so very proud of. After his discharge from the army he returned to the farm and completed his education. He was the “go-to” bookkeeper for many local businesses including the Orts’ Sinclair Station, Keil’s Garage, and Vladik’s Drive Inn. He also delivered gas as needed and worked part time in the Moulton Post Office.
On December 2, 1961 he married Marie Antoinette “Ann” Kolar, daughter of Anton and Alma (Koester) Kolar. With this special union came a son James Timothy “Tim” Few. They later welcomed a daughter Sheri.
After working several years in the old post office on Main Street in down-town Moulton, Gene was appointed by President Lyndon B. Johnson to be the new postmaster in Moulton on December 7, 1967. He was instrumental in the construction of the current post office and its day to day operations until he retired in July of 1989. He, Allyne Fisbeck, Dorothy “Sweetie” Darilek, Donald Bunting, Leslie Haas, Jack Cinadr, and George Jasek Jr. were responsible for all the mail that moved in and out of the community and were known for their great customer service.
Besides being postmaster, he continued to farm and ranch and was often seen in that well known tan Chevy truck we all came to know as “Big Ten”. Gene treasured his time spent with family and friends and enjoyed every chance to have an outside “holiday” cookout. He and Ann loved traveling with their children, making many wonderful memories and taking every opportunity to appreciate the great outdoors.
Gene was an active member of the St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, Knights of Columbus, VFW Post 6971, the American Legion Post 392, Hermans Sons, and the local social group known as the Dog Club. He served as both local post and district commander of the VFW for several years. Gene also served as local VFW adjutant for over 50 years.
Ann and Gene lived in Moulton until December of 2010, at which time Gene’s health required them to move to Fort Worth to be near medical care and their daughter. Upon moving to Fort Worth they were blessed with the gift of new friends and many thoughtful care givers. However, Gene always called Moulton home taking every opportunity to return for a visit after calling ahead to make sure his “trusty barber” Gladys Kubenka was available to cut his hair while he was in town. He kept up with all the local news by faithfully reading the Moulton Eagle, Flatonia Argus, and the Church newsletter. He found pleasure in watching the many birds and squirrels that visited the two feeders right outside his window and in keeping track of his favorite sports teams on T.V.
Survivors include his wife Ann of Fort Worth, son Tim Few and wife Gloria of Galveston, daughter Sheri and husband Dr. Frank P. Jircik of Fort Worth. Four grandchildren- Liz Galindo, James Few, Courtney Jircik, and Justin Jircik. Five great grandchildren along with numerous nieces, nephews and his faithful loving dog Beau.
If you choose, donations may be made to St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Moulton, Texas or Sisters of Divine Providence in San Antonio, Texas or any special charity of your choice.
Visitation will be 8:00am-8:00pm Friday, June 10, 2016 at Smith Funeral Home Chapel. A rosary will be recited at 9:30am Saturday, June 11, 2016 at St. Joseph Catholic Church. Funeral Mass will be held at 10:00am Saturday, June 11, 2016 at St. Joseph Catholic Church-Moulton. Burial will follow in the St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery.
Words of comfort can be expressed to the family at www.smithfuneralhomemoulton.com
Smith Funeral Home- 404 West Bobkat Drive- Moulton, TX 77975 – Phone# 361-596-4631
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