Benedict W. “Ben” Barborak, 84, of Gonzales, passed away Friday, February 24, 2017. Ben was born October 19, 1932 in Moravia, Texas to Willie J. and Albina Novak Barborak. Ben married Bernice Martha Cervenka on October 6, 1956 in Moravia. He was a member of St. James Catholic Church. Ben was raised in the Moravia area and worked on the family farm growing cotton, corn and hay. As a young man he enjoyed fishing and hunting when time permitted noting that in those days chores always came first, a practice he followed all his life. After marrying Bernice, Ben worked a number of jobs that took him to Houston, Komensky, Edna back to Houston and Komensky and finally to Gonzales where he worked for Southern Clay for 14 years before working in custom hay baling for 4o years. Ben never lost his love for fishing and particularly loved fishing the coastal waters of Texas and the river waters around Gonzales. Together Ben and his son Ron had set many a trotline up down the river through the years. Ben was an outdoorsman, he loved being outdoors working in the hay fields, tending cattle, fishing and hunting deer. Ben also enjoyed years of dancing with his wife of 60 years Bernice. Ben will be remembered as a hard working but quiet, loving man with a gentle manner about him. He was always happy and he will be further remembered for the footprint of magnificent work he left in so many hay fields, along coastal shores and river banks and the fingerprint of goodness he left in so many hearts in the course of his life. Benedict W. Barborak is survived by his adoring wife, Bernice Barborak of Gonzales, loving children, Sharon Ann and husband Buddy Janecka of Cistern, James Alan and wife Sheryl Barborak of Gonzales, and Ronald Wayne Barborak and girlfriend Becky Bohach of Gonzales, sisters, Anita Proske (Adolph) of LaGrange, Georgie Pavliska (Jerome) of Gonzales, brother, Willie E. Barborak of Moravia, grandchildren, Ryan Barborak, Nolan Barborak (Tabitha) and Delphin Janecka, great-grandchildren, Mackenzie Barborak, and Riley Barborak. He was preceded in death by his parents and a sister, Irene Barborak. A rosary will be recited for Ben at 7 p.m. Monday at Seydler-Hill Funeral Home with visitation preceding the rosary from 5 to 7 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Tuesday in St. James Catholic Church with Fr. Paul Raaz as celebrant. Interment will follow in Moravia Cemetery. Pallbearers: Ryan and Nolan Barborak, Delphin Janecka, Chuck Pavliska, Randy Proske, and James Filip. Memorials may be made to the charity of one’s choice. Services are under the care and direction of Seydler-Hill Funeral Home in Gonzales.

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