Lad Vladmir Muras

-Isaiah 60:1

Lad Vladmir Muras, brought in the new year with the angels in Heaven early Sunday morning, January 1, 2012. He was 88. He was dearly loved and will be sadly missed.

Born to Charles and Anna Kallus Muras on November 18, 1923, in Rutersville, Texas, Lad spent his youth in Flatonia, Texas. He joined the U.S. Army in 1943, serving in World War II and achieving the rank of Corporal. Lad loved his country and was proud of his military service, which he continued in the Army Reserves.

On January 22, 1951, he married Helen Ann Stryk in Praha, Texas, and from this special union eight children were born. He is survived by his wife of sixty years, 3 daughters: Ann Hennig and husband Steve of Austin, Joan Riley and husband Bobby of San Marcos, Linda Byars and husband Bill of Round Rock, 5 sons: Stephen Muras and wife Bernadette of Austin, Michael Muras of Flatonia, Mark Muras and wife Marizen of San Antonio, Jeff Muras and Perry Muras of Flatonia, 13 grandchildren, and 2 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by a brother, Louis, of Houston, 3 sisters: Ann Ruscher of Schulenburg, Mary Dittrich of Schulenburg, and Georgie Urban of Houston, and many nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents and nine brothers and sisters. Lad loved his family and cherished them all.

Lad worked for Smith Farms for 25 years, until his retirement, and supplemented his family’s income with his salesmanship flare as the “Rawleigh Man” and the “Mason Shoe Man” for many years. He was a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church, the American Legion, Praha KJT, and the Knights of Columbus, serving as Grand Knight for Council #3295.

He had multiple pastimes including bowling, ping-pong, horseshoes, washers, singing, and...Polka dancing! He served as an honored volunteer at Oak Manor Nursing Center, calling Bingo and helping with parties.

Lad shared many jokes and much wisdom with his family. Christmas was his favorite time. He loved the chaos, the food, and the fun, especially playing Santa for our children and the children of Flatonia.

During the past ten years, he dealt with the devastating disease, Alzheimers. Mom lovingly took care of him for many years and then had to ask for help--Oak Manor Nursing Center was our savior. We will be forever grateful to the precious caregivers who watched over our Dad for nearly two years, especially Soledad and Daniel, Jearnell, Anabel, Angelica, Marybel, Daniel Willis, Lisa, Cynthia, Christina, Laura, Yadira, Misty, Cristeta, Dolores, Diane, Evelyn, Scott and many others who were so kind and attentive not only to Dad, but to our Mom, as well.

Above all, he loved the Lord and the Blessed Mother. As the sun sets on a purpose-filled life, honorably lived, our hearts ache with loss, but we are left to cherish the imprint Lad V. Muras left on our lives as husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle and friend. Home, Sweet Home, Daddy!

Please join us in celebrating his life. Visitation will begin at 11:00 am Wednesday January 4, 2012, at Smith Funeral Home in Flatonia, Texas, and the Rosary will be at 7 pm. Funeral services are at 10 am Thursday, January 5, 2012, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Flatonia, with Father Joe Hybner officiating. Burial will follow in the St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery in Praha.

Words of comfort may be shared with the family at: www.SmithFuneralHomeFlatonia.com

Smith Funeral Home

128 East 5th Street

Flatonia, TX 78941

361.865.3311