William Joseph Cervenka

William J. (Bill) Cervenka, 84, of Ballinger went to be with the Lord on December 28, 2015.

Bill was born February 5, 1931 in Rowena, Texas. He was the youngest son of Edward and Otellia Cervenka. Bill attended Rowena Catholic and Public Schools. Prior to his Junior and Senior years he transferred to Central Catholic High School in San Antonio. In 1948, he enrolled as a Cadet at Texas A&M University and graduated with a degree in Agriculture. Upon graduation in 1952, Bill was commissioned in the U.S. Air Force. Prior to being deployed to the Korean War, he married Theresa Guilbeau in Port Arthur, Texas. After the war, Bill remained in the U.S. Air Force Reserves retiring with the rank of Major after 44 years of military service.

Bill was involved in agriculture and farmed in Tom Green, Runnels, and Coke counties from 1955 until the time of his death. Over the years, he raised cotton, sheep, cattle, and coastal bermuda hay. Bill was the Runnels County Republican Chairman from 1964 until 2008. In 1987, he was appointed by Governor Clements to the Upper Colorado River Authority and served two terms as director. Bill enjoyed hunting, fishing, and outdoor activities especially annual trips to the mountains of New Mexico and Colorado.

He was preceded in death by his daughter, Annette; brothers Lanny and Jack; and sisters, Margaret and Gladys; and his parents.

Bill is survived by his wife, Theresa of Ballinger; sons, Frank of Ballinger and Christopher of San Angelo; and numerous nieces and nephews.

A graveside service will be held at 1:00 pm on Saturday, January 2, 2016 at Old Runnels Cemetery in Ballinger. Honorary Pallbearers will be Terry Richardson, Dr. Shaughn Sims, Paul Cervenka, Curtis Hampton, Arthur Reyna, Michael Cervenka, Tom Lee, Jimmy Broyles, John Cervenka, Frank Reyna, Jim McCord, and Dr. Mark Mckinnon.