Johnny Joe "Butch" Kovar, Jr. passed away on October 10, 2016 at his home in Van Vleck, TX. He was born on September 6, 1941 in Bay City, TX to Johnnie Joe and Mildred Kovar. He graduated from Bay City High School in 1959. After graduating he was in the U. S. Army Reserves. Johnny worked many years at Celanese and Sav-Ko. In his retirement years, he enjoyed being a vendor at craft fairs all over Texas. He was an avid sports fan who especially loved the Bay City Black Cats, Texas Longhorns and Dallas Cowboys. He learned to cheer on the Aggies after two of his grandchildren became students at A&M. He was also a very proud member and manager of the Magic Caps Men's softball team back in the day.

He was preceded in death by his parents and brother: Jimmy Wayne Kovar. Survivors include sister: Jo Ann Kovar De Lorca of Sugar Land; wife: Karen Hoke Kovar; 2 daughters: Debbie Kovar White & husband Mike of Collierville, TN, and Connie Kovar Carman & husband Jon of Dickinson; 2 sons: Stephen Hoke & wife Julie of Alvin, and Mike Hoke & Christy Foor of Van Vleck; 4 Grandchildren, who were the joys of his life Christopher Green and fiancé Dani Collette of Memphis, TN, Paige Carman Kail and husband Jake of College Station, Zane Carman of College Station, and Makayla Hoke of Bay City; 3 nieces; and a nephew who loved spending time with their Uncle Butch.

John, Butch, Grandpa as known to family and friends will always be remembered by his cheerful, easygoing spirit, and the ability to brighten your day whenever you saw him. His memory will last forever with his family and friends.

A memorial service will be held 2:00 PM Wednesday, October 12, 2016 at Taylor Bros. Funeral Home with Rev. Chester Sassman officiating.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to the Texas Lions Camp for Disabled Children or St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.