C. E. "Jack" Myska

C. E. "Jack" Myska, 83, passed away peacefully at his home, surrounded by family, on Wednesday, October 10, 2012, rejoining his beloved wife, Blair, who preceded him on their heavenly journey by 7 weeks. His passing can probably be attributed to his desire to be with Blair. Jack was born on December 29, 1928 in Beasley, Texas. He was raised on a farm in Fort Bend County and acquired a life-long love of the land. While at Beasley High School, he worked the farm and worked as a butcher in the general store. Following graduation, Jack began work at what became Houston Lighting & Power, or "The Light Company" as he called it. Always a hard worker, Jack also farmed with his brother while meeting all his commitments at the Light Company. In his 30's, he followed his love of the land and left the Light Company to go into the real estate business, developing the Laurel Oaks subdivision in Richmond. Over the years, he built a successful real estate brokerage firm, but his passion remained undeveloped land and farm land – and that is where he directed his efforts, working deals and exploring new tracts of land until the end of his life. All who knew Jack Myska shared a common belief in his integrity, honesty, sense of fairness and competence in all his dealings and business activities. Many residents of Fort Bend County trusted him to handle their real estate affairs; and, in a number of cases, to manage real estate investments in which they partnered with him. Jack loved his family. Above all else was his love, devotion, and commitment to his wife of 62 years, Blair Myska. Jack and Blair were an incomparable and inseparable team – and in addition to his many roles as father, farmer, developer, broker, Jack provided support and guidance to Blair in all of her endeavors. Their many accomplishments were truly the result of the joint efforts of this beloved team. Jack was extremely proud of his three daughters, Lynda, Cindy and Donna, and their families. He encouraged his daughters to attend Rice University, in which he had an enduring interest, and he particularly loved spending Saturday afternoons each fall with Blair at Rice football games. Jack loved social interaction and enjoyed the time he spent with his and Blair's families and their many friends. In particular, he enjoyed the Party of the Month Club and square dancing with the Brazos Bottom Belles and Beaus. Jack was very involved in the Richmond/Fort Bend County community. Jack was active in the Richmond Rotary, coached little league; and, served as a driving force in the development and funding of the Wharton County Junior College and Technical Center. Jack loved his community and he invested his time, energy and resources to support it at every opportunity. Jack was preceded in death by his wife, Evelyn Blair Walzel Myska and his parents, Edward Myska and Henrietta Wehring Myska. He is survived by his loving daughters, Lynda Myska Irvine and husband John Irvine of Houston, Cindy Myska and husband Frank Allen of Austin, Texas, and Donna Myska Ratliff and husband Jerimac Ratliff of Las Vegas, Nevada. He is also survived by six grandchildren that were blessed to know and love him: Jamie Irvine and William Irvine, Lyssa Myska Allen and Jordan Myska Allen, Graham Ratliff and wife Shari, Garett Ratliff and wife Leela, and a great grandchild, Kaia Grace Ratliff. He is also survived by his brother Gene Myska and wife Dorothy, his cousin C. H. "Sam" Myska and wife Ore Nell, sister-in-law Judy Simmons and husband Roy, and many beloved nieces, nephews, grand-nieces and grand-nephews. Many of the caregivers who served Blair so faithfully also cared for Jack as his health declined – many to the very end. These include Rita Turrubiate, Connie Roman, Lorena Liceaga, Brenda Simon, Delila Gil and Elvy Carreon to whom Jack's daughters and family are extremely grateful. Friends are invited to visit with the family from 5:30-7:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 13 in the Chapel of Davis-Greenlawn Funeral Home in Rosenberg. Services will be held at 3 p.m. Sunday Oct. 14 at St. John's United Methodist Church, 400 Jackson Street, Richmond, followed by a reception in the Wendt Fellowship Hall at the church. In lieu of flowers, contributions in the memory of Mr. Myska may be made to Rice University, Memorial Contributions, 6100 Main Street, Houston, Texas 77005 or to St. John's United Methodist Church, 400 Jackson Street, Richmond, Texas 77469.

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C. E. "Jack" Myska

December 29, 1928 - October 10, 2012