Obituaries

Mary Alice Kuchar Marusak, age 89, passed away on August 17, 2023 in Ennis, Texas. Mary was born July 20, 1934 to Edward and Albina (Zapalac) Kuchar in Dallas, Texas. She graduated from high school at St. Edwards Academy in Old East Dallas. She married Walter C. Marusak of Ennis, Texas in 1953. Together they drove to Alaska while he served in the US Air Force during the Korean Conflict. Great adventure. Homesick, perhaps, they returned to the Dallas area and began the business of making a living and raising a family. He became a home builder and carpenter; she served as a homemaker, secretary, and in various clerical positions. Times were hard, but they preserved.

Charles Lee Novy, 88, passed away in the early morning hours of August 5, 2023, after a brief illness. He was a devoted husband, supportive father to his three children, and respected “Pop” to his six grandchildren. Charles was born in Ennis, Texas, to Charles and Ella Novy, on November 27, 1934. Growing up in a small town, he had a wonderful childhood full of outdoor activities, where he became an Eagle Scout. He graduated from Ennis High School in 1952. Charles went on to Texas A&M University, where he earned degrees in both Petroleum Engineering and Geology. After graduation from Texas A&M, he began his first job in Longview, working for Atlantic Richfield. It was in Longview that he met Mary Elizabeth (Libby) Moore, and they were married on August 1, 1959. They happily spent the next 64 years together.

Charles Lee Novy, 88, passed away in the early morning hours of August 5, 2023, after a brief ill- ness. He was a devoted husband, supportive father to his three children, and respected “Pop” to his six grandchildren.

Edwin James Plasek, 82, passed away on Monday, July 31, 2023, in Ennis, Texas. Ed was born in Ennis, Texas, on May 16, 1941, to Louis and Augusta Mary (Jurica) Plasek. Ed grew up in Ennis and graduated from St. John High School in 1959. Ed married the love of his life on April 14, 1961, Joyce Jurik and they made their home in Ennis. Ed served his country proudly in the United States Army Reserves.

Gary Lynn Hayden, businessman, proud LSU alumni and loyal fan, was born Aug 13th, 1947 in Mobile, Alabama. He passed away on July 13th, 2023 due to complications from a stroke. Gary’s faith was always a central part of his life. He attended church regularly. Anyone who knew him well knew of his deep and abiding faith in his Lord and Savior.

Tom Abram was born December 9, 1932 in Jamestown, Kansas. He grew up on a farm in Northern Kansas without electricity or running water. Tom graduated from Jamestown High School in 1950 and Kansas State University with a business degree in 1954. During his last year of college, Tom married Joyce Flinn. Tom was the first person in his family to go to college and worked many jobs to pay his way. He also proudly played the trombone in the Kansas State University Band and was in ROTC. He remained an avid Kansas State Wildcat fan throughout his life.