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George John Koval entered eternal rest while surrounded by his loving family on August 1, 2025, at the age of 81. He was born on December 2, 1943 in Hazleton, Pennsylvania to George and Anna (Kundrick) Koval. He is preceded in death by his parents and brothers, Jimmy and Paul. George leaves behind to cherish his memory, his loving wife of 59 years, Gladys (Mucala) Koval; daughters, Aileen Hartfield, Kelly Alonzo, and Lucy Stockhorst (David); son Christopher Koval (Julie Ann Rader); sisters, Joann Brown, Debbie Rosenbusch, Kathleen Hardin, and Donna Legnon; brother Kenny Koval; grandchildren, Aaleyah Hartfield, Armoni Hartfield, Elijah Alonzo, Shawn Alonzo, Karisma Alonzo, Caleb Koval, David Stockhorst (Ashley) and Katelyn Stockhorst; greatgrandson, David Jace Stockhorst; special extended family, Laura Calleros (Eric), Bonnie Davila, Gloria Sosa, Laura Jane Molina, Elizabeth Marrufo, Mark Swientek, and Linda Bargsley; Coffee group, Marianne Covalt, Bobbe Shaw, Vicky Gutierrez, Tommy Adkisson, and Frank Carrillo; numerous other loving family members, church members, church family, and friends. George entered the Air Force on February 12, 1962. In a letter written by John W. Carson, Major, USAF Commander, “He was performing duties as a Communications Center Specialist. His position was one which required constant alertness, quick and accurate decisions, and unquestionable loyalty to the United States of America. These qualifications were never lacking and George distinguished himself from many of his contemporaries through personal initiative, motivation, and consistent industrious performance of his duties. His departure from the USAF was under the most honorable of conditions and the loss of an outstanding airman.”His honorable discharge from the Air Force Reserve was effective on February 11, 1968 as SGT George J. Koval. George and Gladys were married in Hallettsville, Texas on February 12, 1966 and celebrated 59 years of marriage this year. After getting married, they moved to Hazleton, Pa for almost five years, where three of their children were born. They have 4 grown children and 8grandchildren, 6 of which attended and graduated from St. Margaret Mary’s school. The family have been members of St. Margaret Mary’s Catholic Church since 1970; and have given of their time to the school and church physically, financially and socially. George started coaching and refereeing CYO in 1972 and continued to help with the school. He worked with the school choir, music ministry and helped with the many events sponsored by the school, such as the School Carnival and Christmas plays with Mr. David Schott. George worked at the church picnics for many years providing music during the day.George was the Parish Music Minister and Cantor at St Margaret Mary and St Catherine’s for over 35 years, cantoring Saturday and Sunday Masses at both churches. He and his wife Gladys were the keyboard players, in addition to Sunday Masses, Friday School Masses, Funerals, Weddings, and Holy Days. George would sing during these Masses. He was an active member of the 8:00 A.M. Church Choir led by Marianne Covalt, the Liturgy Committee, and a past member of the Pastoral Council. George worked for the Butter Krust Bread Richters Bakery from 1970 to 1990. In 1982,he won Salesman of the Year Award, presented to him “In Recognition of His Outstanding Performance.” In 1972, the Kovals opened their home to the elderly and in 1978 became certified as Adult Foster Home Providers. In 1983, they became licensed as the first Small Group Home Providers in the State of Texas. Today the home is known as Highland Gardens, Kovals Assisted Living. The business has been in operation for 53 years taking care of elderly. The family would like to thank the Heart of Texas Hospice Team that did a wonderful job of taking care of not only George, but the family and staff at Highland Gardens. Visitation will be held on Thursday, August 21, 2025 from 5:00 P.M. – 8:00 P.M. with a rosary to be recited at 6:30 P.M. at Mission Park Funeral Chapels South. A Mass of Resurrection will be celebrated on Friday, August 22, 2025 at 10:00 A.M. preceded by a rosary at 9:30 A.M. at St Margaret Mary Catholic Church. Interment will follow at Ft. Sam Houston National Cemetery where military honors will be rendered. In lieu of flowers the family requests that you consider making a donation in his honor to Highland Gardens, Kovals Assisted Living Facility.

Tributes

George John Koval

December 2, 1943 - August 1, 2025