Stephen Bernard Dornak

Stephen (Steve) Bernard Dornak was born on February 2, 1946, in Bay City, Texas, and passed away September 26, 2024, in Houston, Texas. He was the son of Stephen Joseph Dornak and Dorothy Jane Peters Dornak. He is survived by his loving wife of 34 years, Jodie (JoJo). He is also survived by his siblings, Tommy Dornak and wife Cathy, Mary Jane Dornak Florez, and Charlene Dornak Stevens and husband Bobby. Steve was blessed with two children, Steve S. Dornak and wife Carrie, and Melissa Dornak Vardaman. And he was the proud grandpa of Alexandra Dornak and Mackenzie Dornak. Stepdaughters Jennifer Widner and husband Wray, and Julianne Blodgett and husband Kevin, also survive him. He had four step-grandchildren - Jaye Berner, Lola Widner, Cade and Keegan Blodgett.

Steve came from a hard-working, traditional Czech/Bohemian family, and he was brought up to have a good work ethic and to always respect his elders. He graduated from St. Joseph High School, attended Victoria College, enlisted in the US Army, and served in Vietnam. After his military service, he attended and graduated from Southwest Texas State University with a degree in accounting. He went on to use his education in various professional roles, including as a purchasing agent for Lockwood, Andrews & Newnam and the Houston Fire Department.

Steve's interests included building remote control model boats, tinkering with things, and talking with others about cars and computers. This would explain why his favorite TV show was called "How It's Made."

Steve and Jodie were married on Jodie's birthday, January 4, 1990, making it a "two for one" special day. Throughout their 34 years of marriage, they enjoyed spending time with family, rejoicing in the births of grandchildren, and watching them grow into adulthood. They were fortunate to have a few special trips like watching the whales in Bar Harbor, Maine, and Jeep riding in the mountain peaks of Colorado. Another favorite trip was the time they picked up Steve’s mother Dorothy and drove to West Virginia to visit family. While on the trip, they enjoyed seeing autumn leaves during the fall season for the first time!

Steve's bout with dialysis began over two years ago. Steve maintained a positive attitude despite enduring tremendous discomfort, and he rarely missed out on special outings if he could make them. Ultimately, a recent fall combined with congestive heart failure and Stage 5 kidney disease took him directly into the heavenly arms of Jesus. "Jesus promises eternal life to those who look to Him, and He will raise them up on the last day."

John 6:40

Steve loved the Lord, was a Patriot and will be missed by many. His Celebration of Life Service will be held at Second Baptist Church, where Steve and Jodie were members. The service will take place in the Hankamer Chapel on the Woodway Campus, 6400 Woodway Drive, on Friday, October 4th at 11:00 AM, with a reception to follow.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Tunnel to Towers (https://t2t.org/), Second Baptist Church (https://www.second.org/), or the charity of your choice.