Earl Jalufka

Earl Davis Jalufka, beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather passed away at home, surrounded by family on August 12, 2021. He was born in Violet, TX on March 23, 1934, to Jerome W. and Jewel K. Jalufka. Earl grew up in the farming community of Violet where his father owned and operated Violet Gin Co. Summers were spent working at the family business. He graduated from Robstown High school in 1952 where he participated in all sports and was the quarterback for the Cottonpickers during his senior year. His hard work in the classroom and on the field earned him a full athletic scholarship to Vanderbilt University in Nashville, TN. In Earl’s senior year, Vanderbilt was invited to participate in the 1955 Gator Bowl in Jacksonville, FL. Vanderbilt defeated Auburn University for their first-ever bowl victory. Earl maintained a lifelong friendship with his teammates, attending homecoming most every year in Nashville. After graduating in 1956 with a degree in Geology, Earl went to work for Wellex in Houston, TX. During his time in Houston, he met the love of his life Dolores Bruno (Dee). They married in 1958, and while still newlyweds, Earl was called to serve his country in the U.S. Army. After his military service, Earl returned to Violet where he worked together with his father managing Violet Gin Co. for the next 55 years. Earl served the cotton ginning industry as President of the Texas Cotton Ginners’ Association, The Texas Independent Ginners’ Association, and the National Cotton Ginners’ Association. In 1978 Earl was awarded the Horace Hayden Ginner of the Year award in recognition of his devoted service. Earl was also involved in farming with his son Robert for many years, and an active member of St. Anthony’s Catholic Church in Violet. In his free time, Earl enjoyed golf, as much for the competition as the camaraderie. When his back wouldn’t let him play anymore, Dominoes became his game. He looked forward to the weekly games with his son, nephew, and friends Bo and Romy. Above all, Earl was a man who loved his family and cherished time spent with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Earl is preceded in death by his parents, J.W. and Jewel Jalufka; sister, Barbara Williams; brother, Jerome Jalufka; brother-in-law, James Williams III; sister-in-law, Patricia Jalufka; and son-in-law, Paul Tower. Earl is survived by his loving wife, Dee Jalufka; his son, Robert Jalufka; daughters, Jennifer Bevly and Sara Tower; sister, Mary Frances; brother-in-law, Ralph Studer; cousin, George Till, who was like a brother. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Wes Bevly IV (Melissa Bevly), Kaitlin Wilson (Billy Wilson), Ryan Jalufka, Jason Jalufka, Lucas Tower (Brittany Tower), Ellisa Faldut (Kris Faldut), Chelsea Tower, twelve greatgrandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews. Visitation will be Sunday, August 15, 2021, at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church in Violet from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. followed by a Rosary. Funeral services will be held at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church on Monday, August 16, 2021, at 10:00 a.m. with burial to follow in the church cemetery. Pallbearers will be David Williams, Jerry Jalufka, Billy Wilson, John White, Robert Luehrs, and Peter Tischler. Honorary Pallbearers are Thomas Busenlehner, John Secrest, Charles Wilson, William Bohach, Marino Delzotto, Keith Adams, and JJ Arnold. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you make a donation in Earl’s memory to his favorite charity, St. Jude Children’s Hospital, or your charity of choice. A special thank you to Earl’s niece, Susan Ebert, for all the care and love she gave to us, and especially to her Uncle “Tater” this past week. We couldn’t have done it without you.