Jesse J. Hickl passed away Sunday, Feb. 28, 2010. He will always be remembered for his warmth and smile, and his devotion to his family and church. He was born in Frydek, TX on July 10, 1921 to the late John & Julie Pavlicek Hickl. The family later settled in El Maton, TX.
He was a member of Holy Cross Catholic Church, KJT, KJZT and the Veterans of America.
Jesse served in the US Air Force during WWII, achieving the rank of Corporal. In 1948 he married Georgia Bilicek and they enjoyed 61 wonderful years together while raising a family in Bay City. Jesse worked for Skelly Oil Co. until his retirement in 1984. He later started a commercial mowing business and was involved in ranching. Music was always a big part of his life, forming his first band with his brothers. He later formed his own band, The Jesse Hickl Orchestra and most recently The Bohemian Cowboys.

He is survived by his wife Georgia; daughters Gloria Korenek & husband Ron of Keller, TX and Nancy Reynolds & husband Phil of Brazoria; sons Jerry Hickl, Sr. and his wife Sherrie of Sugarland and Jesse Hickl, Jr. of Austin; grandchildren Valerie Hickl, Ron Korenek, Jr., Jerry Hickl, Jr, Kristina Korenek and step-grandchildren Kimbrely & Stephanie Soland.

He was preceded in death by his parents and brothers William Hickl, Sr., John Hickl, Jr., August Hickl, Louis Hickl, Sr., Edward Hickl, Sr., sisters Annie Holub and Louise Saha and daughter-in-law Sandy Hickl.

A rosary will be recited at 7:00 PM Wednesday, March 3, 2010 at Taylor Bros. Funeral Home. Mass will be 10:00 AM Thursday, March 4, 2010 at Holy Cross Catholic Church with Rev. Casey Jarzombek officiating. Interment will follow at St. Peter's Catholic Cemetery in Blessing. Pallbearers will be Michael Merta, Steven Bilicek, Gary Hickl, David Hickl, Larry Fucik, Jerome Hickl, Mike Barta & Donald Hickl. Jerry Bilicek, Joe Hickl, Lawrence Hickl & Jerome Merta will serve as honorary pallbearers. Memorials may be made to the Holy Cross School Foundation.