Benjamin Frank Chovanec of La Grange entered into Eternal Rest Tuesday, Jan. 23, 2024.

Benjamin “Ben” Frank Chovanec was the youngest of four children born in Rosenberg to John Charles Chovanec and Frances Hajdik Chovanec Dec. 3, 1942.

Ben Attended Holy Rosary School (‘57) and Lamar Consolidated High School (‘61) both in Rosenberg. He then attended Wharton County Junior College (AA “63), University of Houston (BA ‘65) and Lamar University (MEd ‘72). He also pursued post-graduate studies at Texas A&M, Prairie View A&M and Lamar University.

Ben was the first member of the extended Hajdik family to return to the homeland in Moravia (now a part of the Czech Republic) 56 years after his grandparents, George and Anna Hajdik, and his mother moved to Texas. This was the first reunion of the two branches of the family. He was fluent in Czech, so he was able to keep contact with the Czech family members until the end. During his earlier years he was able to visit nearly all the countries of Europe including the Soviet Union. His only regret was that he never got to visit Rome, Spain, Greece and the former Yugoslavia which were still on his bucket list.

Ben devoted 35 years to public education in Texas as a teacher, Counselor and Principal. He worked in La Grange ISD, Hull-Daisetta ISD, and Lamar Consolidated ISD On Dec. 31, 1999, he retired as principal of Jane Long Elementary School in Richmond, Texas. After retirement he worked as a part time substitute teacher at Sacred Heart School in La Grange.

Ben was a long-time member of Holy Rosary Catholic Church in Rosenberg where he was baptized and confirmed. He also served Holy Rosary on the parish council and as a CCD teacher. He was currently a member of Sacred Heart Church in La Grange where he was an active participant in the Fellowship of Catholic Men and sang with the men’s choir. He is also a member of the Sacred Heart Holy Name Society and the Knights of Columbus. He had also participated as a volunteer with the Mission To Mexico.

Ben was a life-long member of the Catholic Union of Texas. He was also a life member of the Texas State Teachers Association, and a former member of the Texas Elementary Principal and Supervisors Association.

Ben was preceded in death by his parents and brother Johnnie Chovanec, sister Vera Becan, nephew Benjamin Joseph Matocha, niece and goddaughter Angela Matocha: and brothers-in-law, Alfred Franklin Becan and Franklin Raymond Matocha sr. and his canine sons Cap (Tsop) and Charlie Brown.

He is survived by one sister, Otillie Matocha. Numerous nieces, nephews, grandnieces, grandnephews and cousins also survive him. He enjoyed serving as “honorary grandpa” to grandnieces and grandnephews: Anna Stribling, Rachel Matocha, Ben Stribling, Gregory Matocha, Dylan Matocha, Nicholas Matocha, Philip Matocha and Matthew Matocha.

A visitation will be held on Tuesday, Jan. 30, 2024, from noon to 7 p.m. at Koenig-Belvill Funeral Home and Cremations in La Grange. Family will be present from 5-7 p.m. to receive friends. A Holy Rosary will be recited at 7 p.m.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in La Grange at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 31, 2024. A private graveside service will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Sacred Heart Catholic Church of La Grange, The Texas Czech Heritage and Cultural Center, The Eternal Word Network, or to Holy Rosary Catholic Church in Rosenberg.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Koenig-Belvill Funeral Home & Cremations, 208 W. Pearl St., La Grange, Texas. Family and friends can view and sign the guestbook online at www.lagrangefunerals.com.