Herbert Janecek

Herbert Cyril Janecek, 93, passed peacefully in Corpus Christi, Texas, on November 5, 2025. Herb was born on February 24, 1932, in Brownsville, Texas.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 62 years Betty Ann (Halbrook) Janecek and his parents Ruth Pearl (Bracht) Janecek and Cyril Methodius Janecek, and siblings Lois Hickey, Sister Patricia Ruth Janecek, May Kollaja, Sister Jude Janecek, and David Janecek.

He is survived by his children Theresa Janecek (John), James Edward Janecek (Lilly), Cyril Janecek (Esther) and Margaret Hampton (Rob); and grandchildren Tristan Janecek, Katie Hampton, Claire Hampton, and Luke Hampton.

Herb graduated from Corpus Christi College-Academy and then served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. He became a very active member of the VFW and was instrumental in building a veterans memorial pavilion.

His career was in construction, which included starting his own business (Portland Specialties) and working at Imperial Mills & Fixtures for many years.

A highly skilled carpenter, he enjoyed woodcarving as a hobby, with several of his creations gifted to family and friends that are now cherished pieces of art.

Herb was a routine swimmer at the YMCA in Corpus Christi, an avid reader, and loved spending time with his grandchildren.

He was a member of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Catholic Church in Portland, Texas for 47 years, which included singing in the choir, being a member of the Knights of Columbus, and volunteering in many other capacities. He later moved to Corpus Christi, Texas, wherein he became a member of St. Patrick’s Catholic Church.

Herb will always be remembered for his deep and active faith as a devout Catholic, though he was also a strong advocate of ecumenism. In his early years he was heavily involved in the Catholic Charismatic Movement, Cursillo Movement, and many other ministries of the Catholic Diocese of Corpus Christi. In his latter years he helped establish Centering Prayer in Corpus Christi, which became a cornerstone of his daily life.

Herb was a gregarious person who never met a stranger with whom he didn’t enjoy engaging in conversation.

On Monday, November 17, 2025, at Winsteads’ Funeral Home, 500 Wildcat Drive, Portland Texas, Visitation will begin at 5:00pm, concluding with a Rosary service at 7:00pm. Funeral Mass will begin at 9:30am on Tuesday, November 18, 2025, at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, 3350 S. Alameda Street, Corpus Christi, Texas. Burial will follow at 11:00am at Coastal Bend State Veterans Cemetery, 9974 I-37, Corpus Christi, Texas.

Arrangements are under the direction and personal care of the professionals at Winsteads’ Funeral Home. (361) 643-6564 www.winsteadsfuneralhome.com