Johnnie H. Drabek

Johnnie Henry Drabek, 85, passed away on July 3, 2010, after a lengthy illness. He was a 57 year resident of Sugar Land and a retiree from Imperial Sugar Company with 39 years of service. He was born in Orchard, TX on July 1, 1925 and was a resident of Fort Bend County his entire life. Johnnie was preceded in death by his parents, Henry and Annie Drabek; his parents in-law, Allen and Clara Mae Cockrell; and his sister Ella Bartos.. He is survived by his loving wife of fifty-four years, Rita Cockrell Drabek; his daughter, Linda, and her husband Donnie Marshall of Huntsville, Texas; his son, John and wife Gloria of Sugar Land; and his only grandchild Colby Allen Drabek; his sister Frances Reuther and husband John of Katy; his sister Emily Motl of East Bernard; and his sister Virgie LeCombe and husband LeRoy of Tomball; brother-in-law Allen W. Cockrell and wife Barbara of Lufkin, brother-in-law Robert Cockrell and wife Linda of Natchitoches, Louisiana; his sister-in-law Mary Cockrell of Corrigan; Johnnie is also survived by many nieces and nephews, other relatives and friends. During World War II, Johnnie served his country proudly in Europe and was awarded the silver star, 3 bronze stars, purple heart and other medals and citations. On February 3, 1945, He was one of 200 men of the US Army 78th Infantry "Lightning" Division who began a treacherous journey through Germany's Roer River Valley toward their goal of seizing the enemy-held town of Dedenborn. At the age of 18, Johnnie was one of only 36 men, all of Company C, First Batalion, 311th Infantry Regiment, to survive the crossing of the river. He was a proud member of the 78th Division Organization and he and his wife attended many of their national meetings. They were able to travel with the group back to Europe and re-visit the battle fields where he fought. He was also a member of American Legion Post #200 in Wallis, VFW Post 4010 in Stafford, and St. Theresa Catholic Church in Sugar Land. Visitation with the family will be on Wednesday, July 7th, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at the Davis Greenlawn Funeral Home in Rosenberg, Texas Hwy 59 at FM 2218. A Rosary will follow the visitation. Funeral Mass will be at 9:00 a.m., Thursday, July 8, 2010 at St. Theresa Catholic Church at Main and 7th Street in Sugar Land followed by burial at the Davis Greenlawn Cemetery in Rosenberg. Pall Bearers will be Donald Bartos, Louis Bartos, Butch Brugier, Colby Drabek, Pat Motl, Alex Little, Darryl Pamplin, and Randy Stock. If desired, memorial gifts may be made to St. Theresa Catholic Church or the charity of your choice. The family wishes to thank all those who have provided spiritual and emotional support to Johnnie and Rita during this time. They are especially grateful to John & Frances Reuther, Darryl & Ida Pamplin, Delia Garcia, and the entire Merry Ministries group. They especially appreciate the care team of Clara Miller, Gwen Brackens, Leana Jefferson, & Diane Brackens who provided much of the around the clock physical care of Johnnie.

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Johnnie H. Drabek

July 1, 1925 - July 3, 2010