Billie Joe “B.J.” Malatek

Billie Joe “B.J.” Malatek, 77, of Columbus, Texas, passed away unexpectedly at his home on September 7, 2024 in Columbus, Texas.

He was born on May 19, 1947 to Joe B. Malatek and Ida Mae (Bruns) Malatek in Gonzales, Texas. On December 3, 1966 he married Linda Houser.

B.J.  began his career as an automotive technician at King Automotive.  He and Linda moved to Columbus where he worked for TxDot for 30 years while also farming and ranching. He spent time in the National Guard based in Gonzales.  B.J. worked with Larry Poenitzsch, whom he considered the brother he never had at 2 P Pecan. 

He was a lifetime member of Columbus FFA and was in charge of the Friends of FFA Buyer’s Group for the FFA.  He worked for many years in the FFA booth at the Colorado Co. Fair.  B.J. was also a member of the 3:00 PM Coffee Club at Schobel’s Restaurant. 

B.J. enjoyed having his family together and always looked forward to the holidays.  His greatest joy was his children and grandchildren and having them all together at the house.  B.J. enjoyed working cattle, fishing, hunting and good conversation.  He cherished time with his family friends.  He was an avid supporter of the FFA and 4-H programs.  He enjoyed cheering on the Columbus Cardinals and the Dallas Cowboys.

B.J. is survived by his wife of fifty-seven years, Linda Malatek; children Denise Malatek-Markle and husband Daniel, Todd Malatek and wife Iris, Amie Malatek, Mindy Malatek-Hanak and husband Jeremy, and Kaylee Malatek-Johnson and husband Mike; grandchildren Mia Colletti and boyfriend Trey East, Nicklas Markle, Gunnar Hanak, Gage Hanak, and Michael Johnson; his cherished grand pups Duke, Bruno, Butch, Dookie, Bug & Arrow and his fur daughter Athena.

He was preceded in death by his parents Joe and Ida Malatek; sister Alice Faye Kirchner; good friends Larry Poenitzsch and uncle Alvin Horndt.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, September 11, 2024 from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Henneke Funeral Home in Columbus, Texas.  A prayer service and rosary will follow at 7:00 PM.

Funeral Service will be held on Thursday, September 12, 2024 at 2:00 PM at St. James Catholic Church in Gonzales, Texas. Rev. Jason Martini will be officiating.  Visitation at church will be from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM.

Burial will take place in St. James Catholic Cemetery in Gonzales, Texas.

Pallbearers are Paco Villarreal, Jake Martinez, Justin “Bubbie” Dvorak, Quincy Freison, Brian Potter, Allan Bruns, and Travis Melvin. 

Honorary pallbearers are his grandchildren and the 3:00 PM Coffee Club at Schobel’s Restaurant, Kevin Page, Carl Ed Valenta, Kevin Melvin, Gerald Heintschel, R.C. Kleimann, Jay Bunge, T.J. Harkness, Ty’Vone Whitehead, Coy Manley, Raymond Malatek, Sherman Carter, George Little, David Kresta, Edward Pavlicek, and John Batla.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to Friends of the FFA Buyer’s Group or CHS Booster Club, 103 Cardinal Lane, Columbus, TX 78934, or the charity of your choice.

Online condolences may be given at www.hennekefuneralhome.com.