Clarence Steve Kucera, age 87, of Van Vleck, Texas was born on December 26, 1931 in Rosenberg, Texas to Joe Jerry Kucera and Mary Wvlechek Kucera. He left this world to be with the Lord on February 12, 2019.

He met the love of his life, Milady Ann (Klobouk) Kucera, at an early age as both families lived and farmed in Iowa Colony. In 1950 they had their first date and have been inseparable since. In fact, they celebrated 65 years of marriage last August.

During High School and after graduation from Alvin High, Clarence worked on the family farm, as well as in the oilfields as a roughneck, until he was drafted in the Army. He served overseas in Germany during the Korean Conflict, and not wishing to be separated from his precious Milady and young son Ricky, they joined him in Germany shortly thereafter. While on a three-week furlough, the young family was able to travel throughout Europe, the highlight being visiting Rome, which enhanced their already profound Catholic Faith.

Once returning home from the Service, the family settled in Iowa Colony to continue raising cattle and farming rice, soybeans, cotton and hay. Clarence was a very caring and compassionate man who would help anyone. The home was always filled with family, friends, or even animals! Walking in and finding a baby calf all wrapped up in a blanket being nursed to health was an ordinary occurrence. He was famous for inviting people over to the house for lunch at the drop of a hat saying, "Come on, Milady will fix us lunch!" He loved all of God's creatures and would do anything possible to make them comfortable. Nonetheless, he was a very strong-willed and determined man, and could do anything he put his mind to.

Clarence loved working on his ranch, spending time with family and watching western movies. He thoroughly enjoyed spending time on the back porch with a glass of sweet tea and watching his cattle graze and deer run by. Another favorite pastime included riding through his pasture with his cherished dog, Spider, along with Isidro, his ranch foreman and friend of more than 40 years.

Clarence was a longtime resident of Iowa Colony, later moving to Matagorda County to fulfill a lifetime dream of living on his ranch.

He was recognized by the Soil and Water Conservation District in both 1969 and 2007. In 1969, he was awarded for his outstanding accomplishment in soil conservation, as he was one of the first to implement water leveling in the rice fields. In 2007, he was named, "Outstanding Absentee Conservation Rancher" for outstanding accomplishments of the conservation of oil, water and related sources. He earned the Sharp Shooter designation during his time in the Army and served on the Alvin School District's Board for many years.

Most importantly, he was a devout Catholic throughout his entire life, and practiced daily prayer and reciting his rosary nightly with Mother Angelica and the EWTN Nuns.

He was preceded in death by his brother, Raymond Kucera; Mother, Mary Kucera; and Father, Joe Kucera. He is survived by his loving spouse, Milady Kucera; son and wife, Ricky and Claire Kucera and daughter and husband, Terri and Clarence (Bubba) Martin. Additionally, his six grandchildren and their spouses, Cheryl and Kyle Rode; Tanya and Charlie Doescher; Charlotte and Zach Brumley; Kristin and Cody Marcum; Nicole and Bryan Holub; and Chance and Amanda Kucera. And finally, he is survived by his eleven great-grandchildren, all of whom will continue to pass on his legacy.

Visitation will be 5-7 PM Thursday, February 14, 2019 with a rosary at 6:30 PM at Taylor Bros. Funeral Home. Funeral Mass will be 10:00 AM Friday, February 15, 2019 at Holy Cross Catholic Church with Rev. Greg Korenek officiating.  Interment will follow at Davis-Greenlawn Memorial Park in Rosenberg.  Pallbearers will be Charlie Doescher, Zach Brumley, Kyle Rode, Bryan Holub, Cody Marcum and Chance Kucera.