John David Janak's Obituary
John David Janak was born in Weimar, Texas on March 15, 1936 to John J. and Agnes B. Janak. He died on December 10, 2009 after a courageous battle with cancer. John graduated from Highland Park High School and received a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from Texas A&M University in 1957. He spent his professional career working for Texas Utilities, retiring as Vice President over Fossil Operations. During his career John was active in the Texas Society for Professional Engineers. John’s retirement years were spent traveling the world enjoying friends and family. He was an avid bird watcher and enjoyed photographing wildlife. John’s love for animals led him to the Dallas Zoo where he was a faithful volunteer for 10 years. John was dedicated to his community serving on numerous Boards and committees including the Audelia Road Library Board, The Lake Highlands Neighborhood Association, and the Dallas A&M Club. He devoted over 30 years to Boles Children’s Home and served as an Elder at Skillman Church of Christ. John’s blood ran maroon with an undying love for his Texas Aggies. But his greatest passion was his family. He was a devoted husband, father and grandfather. John was a proud Papa never missing a sporting, musical or school event. His calmness, strong sense of humor and underlying kindness will be deeply missed by all who were fortunate to have known him John is survived by his wife of 52 years, Marietta; son John Pratt; daughter and son in law Katie & Greg Waters; grandchildren, Kyle, Kendall & Zachary Waters; Brother and Sister in Law, Don and Joan Janak; Sister and Brother in Law, Dorothy & Dick Morton; Sister in Law and Brother in Law, Camille and Dick Raycraft; and many nieces and nephews. “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” 2 Timothy 4:7. A celebration of John’s life will be held at 3:30 on Monday, December 14, 2009 at Skillman Church of Christ, 3014 Skillman St., Dallas, TX. The family will receive friends Sunday evening from 5:00 to 7:00 at the Restland Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to the Dallas Zoo, 650 S. RL Thornton, Dallas, TX 75203, The Texas Aggie Corps of Cadets Association, P.O. Box 11860, College Station, TX 77842-1860 or Boles Home www.boleschildrenshome.com.
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