George William Hejtmanek, 80 of Ashby, passed away peacefully in his home on September 30, 2008. He was born on February 14, 1928, in El Maton and lived in the Ashby area most of his life.

The youngest of six children, George was raised by his parents Frank and Albina on a cotton farm in Ashby during the depression era. He graduated from Blessing High School in 1945, and, after serving in the U.S. Army, married Dovie Lee Spoor on June 22, 1948. He started out with a small cotton farm and with hard work, ingenuity, and integrity, became a respected and successful farmer and rancher, receiving numerous awards and recognition. He was also a leader in the community. George was President of the Tidehaven School Board for over 20 years, served as an Elder in the First Presbyterian Church of Collegeport, and mentored young farmers in the area.

George and Dovie were married for 58 years and raised a happy and close-knit family. He was a loving and involved father and grandfather and was a wonderful role model. His children have fond memories of working with him in the fields, tending the cows, and talking with him. As a grandfather, he treated the kids to pickup rides to see the cows, feeding the catfish, making homemade ice cream, and dressing up as the Easter Bunny. George also loved history, reading, gardening, growing roses, and playing cards and dominoes. He was a good friend and had a generous spirit and a sweet nature. George often said "I've always tried to live by the Golden Rule and treat other people the way I want to be treated". He succeeded in this and will be greatly missed.

He is survived by his children George Hejtmanek, Jr. and wife Barbara of Houston, Ronald Hejtmanek and wife Beverly of Austin, and Cheryl Horne and husband Michael of Sugar Land; grandchildren Erin Althaus and husband Brian, Jennifer Kriskey and husband Thomas, Steven, Rachel, Russell, and Randall Hejtmanek, Meagan and Michael Horne; step-grandchildren Erin Rystad and husband Greg, and Emily and Mary Rochford; great-grandchildren, Preston and Emerson Althaus, and Abigail and Zoe Kriskey. He is also survived by his sisters Alice Jurek and Martha Jane Schimek. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife Dovie, his parents Frank J. and Albina Hejtmanek, siblings Anna Mae Jurek, Georgia Lostak, and Frank Hejtmanek. He was also preceded in death by his grandchildren Christopher and Matthew Hejtmanek.

Funeral services will be held at First Presbyterian Church in Bay City at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, October 2 with Reverends Andy and Janell Blair officiating. Interment will follow at Ashby Cemetery.

Taylor Bros. Funeral Home, Bay City (979) 245-4613. Memorials may be made to Ashby Cemetery Fund, or to First Presbyterian Church of Collegeport, P.O. Box 75, Collegeport, TX 77428. Online condolences may be sent by visiting www.taylorbros.net.

We love you and will miss you, beloved father, grandfather, great-grandfather and friend.