Benjamin Franklin Houdek

Benjamin Franklin Houdek was born to Mary and Albert J. Houdek on Dec. 31, 1925 and called home to Christ on Aug. 1, 2013. Burial is among his fellow heroes on hallowed ground at the DFW National Cemetery.

Ben was the oldest of 9 children. He was a proud Army veteran and served in WWII, Korean and Vietnam Wars, as well. Truly, a man with many stories to share of his youth growing up during the Great Depression, his wartime experiences, and how his brothers served our country as well.

He enjoyed his family, good food, playing bingo with his special friends, history, polkas, country swing, cookbooks, hunting and loved his five granddaughters dearly . He was a lifelong member of the catholic faith and belonged to St. Elizabeth Ann Seton in Plano.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 40 yrs, Kuniko Ise Houdek , precious children, Marie Houdek of Chicago, Il.

and John Houdek, of Mineral Wells, Tx., beloved parents and siblings,Mary and Albert Houdek, sister Anne Houdek Meschowietz, and brothers Ludvig and Dan Houdek.

Left to cherish his memory are his children Elizabeth , Frank ,Richard, Stephanie Houdek, Amey and Dr.Martin Jones, granddaughters Monika, Hana, Katy, Keimi and Eri Jeanne. Brothers Stanley Houdek, Andrew(Joyce)Houdek, Sisters Emilie(Arnold) Sefcik, Hattie Houdek , Helene Supak and numerous nieces and nephews. Special mention to John and Midi Henderson of Sheridan, Or.,Connie Carr, Tom Reeder, Barbara Schuler, and the rest of Ben's loving friends at his complex in Allen, Tx.

Benny was a Fourth Degree member with the Knights of Columbus in the Fort Worth Assembly . He was also a member of the American Legion, Harding Blaine Post. He cared about his fellow veterans past and present.

In lieu of flowers, a donation to Honor Flight, Wounded Warrior or Homeless Veterans program is requested . Benny's family would like to sincerely thank Carenow, Philips and Epperson, Settlers Gate, WL Schultz, J. Roach, to friends known and unknown for the outpour of Christian love, compassion and support.

Here are a few of Ben's quotes-

" Freedom is not free, so Love it or leave it."🇺🇸

"Respect the elderly. If you're lucky, you may become a senior too!"

"Don't like it? Well, toughsky shitzky!"

Burial was held at the Dallas Fort Worth National Cemetery with Ted Dickey Funeral Home of Plano handling the arrangements.