Daniel Thomas Dolezal

Daniel Thomas Dolezal, 73, of Gonzales passed away Monday, Oct. 24, 2011, after a lengthy battle with cancer.

Daniel was born to Tom and Annie Tesar Dolezal on Sept. 12, 1938, at their home in Gonzales. He attended Gonzales schools, graduating in 1957. After high school, Daniel married Joyce Grauke. This union brought into this world Steven, Scott and Michael. After the death of Joyce, Daniel married Zilpha Cain Newton, so into his life entered Terry, Gary, Larry, Bobby and Sherry. He was the proud grandpa of a total of 19 grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.

Daniel was a rancher, raising poultry and cattle. Along with his ranching business, he worked many years for Inland Container, retiring in 1994. Daniel loved life; he could often be seen in his cut-off jeans and flip-flops, even while working cattle. Hunting and fishing were favorites of his, along with working in his yard and garden. He enjoyed his family gatherings and Easter egg hunts, and Christmas was a favorite time. He just wanted everyone home at one time, and what a houseful it was.

Daniel is survived by his loving wife Zilpha of Gonzales; sons Steve (Laura) Dolezal, Scott Dolezal, Mike (Michele) Dolezal, Terry Newton, Gary (Stacie) Newton, Larry Newton and Bobby (Shannon) Newton; daughter Sherry (Ken) Callaway; brothers Laddie (Sandy) Dolezal and Victor (Susie) Dolezal; grandchildren Brenda (David) Sanchez, Michael Castro, Terrell (Amy) Newton, Trevor Newton, Taylor Newton, Jake De La Cruz, Derek De La Cruz, Kyle De La Cruz, Ray Newton, Jenna Newton, Taylor (Mandy) Callaway, Joel (Nory) Callaway, Sean Callaway, Jared Dolezal, Madison Dolezal, Bryan Dolezal, Lexie Dolezal and Abbie Dolezal; great-grandchildren David Sanchez, Daniel Sanchez, Dillon Sanchez, Tori Newton, Berkley Callaway, Christina Callaway, Arwin Callaway and Liam Callaway; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Daniel was preceded in death by his parents Tom and Annie Tesar Dolezal; his first wife Joyce Grauke Dolezal; grandson Willie T. Callaway; daughter-in-law Anita Newton; brothers Alfred "Sonny," Alvin, Jerry and Bennie Dolezal; sisters Elsie Vaclavik, Adela Tomas, Emily Smith, Angelina "Moochie" Kresta and Annie Marie Dolezal.

Daniel is not gone, he is just on his journey. I'm sure he has already found his mom and dad along with his brothers and sisters, and you can bet Willie has found Grandpa.

A rosary will be recited at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 26, at Seydler-Hill Funeral Home. Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 27, in Seydler-Hill Funeral Home with Fr. Paul Raaz and Rev. Chris Irving officiating. Interment will follow in Gonzales Memorial Park. Pallbearers are Michael Castro, Terrell, Trevor and Ray Newton, Taylor, Joel and Sean Callaway, Jake, Derek and Kyle De La Cruz, and Jared and Bryan Dolezal.

The family will receive friends from 5-7 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 26, at Seydler-Hill Funeral Home.

In lieu of usual remembrances, friends may make memorial gifts to the First Baptist Church youth programs or the charity of one's choice. Services are under the care and direction of Seydler-Hill Funeral Home.