Robert Janik

Weslaco - Robert Eugene Janik, a devoted husband, loving father and grandfather, and respected member of his community, passed away peacefully at his home in Weslaco, Texas, on October 21, 2024. Born on April 20, 1943, in Wharton, Texas, Robert lived a life marked by generosity, devotion, and a warm sense of humor.

Robert attended Holy Family Catholic School from 1st to 8th grade. When he transferred to Wharton High School, he met his soulmate, Virginia Jo “Jody” Vaughn. Robert and Jody were inseparable, enriching each other’s lives for nearly six decades. 

After graduating from the University of Texas with a Bachelor's in Business Administration, Robert embarked on a successful career as an accountant for Groce Wearden. Later, he went to work for Easter Seals. Robert's tireless dedication to this organization, which he served until his retirement, was a testament to the compassionate spirit that permeated his professional and personal life.

Robert maintained a lifelong loyalty to the Longhorns, cheering passionately for their football team whenever he could. His vibrant personality and loving nature showed through in everything he did, especially in his faith. For over fifty years, as a faithful St. Pius X Catholic Church member, Robert’s devotion and dedication to his Catholic faith, as well as being a father and grandfather, were among his proudest accomplishments.

Robert also embraced his community and served in many capacities. He was a member of the Donna Lion’s Club for many years and was the honored recipient of the Melvin Jones Fellow and Jack Wiech Fellowship awards. Easter Seals also honored him for over twenty years of service to their mission. It is no surprise that Robert had many lifelong friends and neighbors throughout the Rio Grande Valley. 

His love for his family was unwavering, as evidenced by his fifty-eight-year marriage to Jody. Together, they created countless memories. Robert enjoyed the simple pleasures in life with his family, making annual trips to South Padre and Concan, as well as Colorado and Arizona, when possible. He also had extraordinary adventures when traveling through Europe; once with all his siblings and another time with the Lion’s Club. The memories they made were priceless. 

Robert's role as a grandfather brought him immense joy. He loved watching his grandson, Jeffrey, play golf and held a particular fondness for his granddaughter, Curry, whom he affectionately called "The Golden Child." His family could always count on his considerate and generous nature, as he took great pride in celebrating their achievements.

Robert also enjoyed bird hunting in his leisure time. He was famous for his “Border Buttermilk,” which brought laughter and joy to any Janik gathering, barbecue, or competitive domino game. 

Robert Janik's legacy of love, kindness, and dedication will live on in the hearts of those fortunate enough to have known him. He will be dearly missed but fondly remembered for his remarkable spirit and the lives he touched throughout his journey.

Robert is preceded in death by his parents, Steve Janik Jr. and Lillian (Hartle) Janik. 

He is survived by his loving wife, Jody; their sons, Jeff Janik (Heather) of Weslaco and Clay Janik (Allison) of Austin; grandchildren, Lilian “Curry” and Jeffrey Janik; his siblings, Mildred Sobieski (John+) of Lakeway, Texas, John Janik (Rose+) of Sugarland, Texas, Bitsy Lockley (Alan+) of Wharton, Texas, Caroline Ottis (Dick) of El Campo, Texas, and George Janik (Sharon) of Buena Vista, Colorado, and numerous nieces and nephews. 

Services honoring Robert's life will be held at St. Pius X Catholic Church in Weslaco, Texas, on November 8, 2024, with a Mass at 10:00 AM. Services will be live-streamed for those who cannot attend in person.  Robert will be lovingly remembered by all who knew him as a constant source of joy, faith, family devotion, and a jokester personality. 

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to Aurora House, 2646 W 18th St. Weslaco, Texas, and Donna Lion’s Club.