Rex James Knapik's Obituary
Reginald “Rex” James Knapik was born on September 10, 1933, in Bremond, Texas, a small Polish, Catholic town. On October 20, 2024, he was called home at age 91, to be in the loving arms of Our Lord and Savior.
Rex grew up in a close-knit farming family, with three older sisters. He did his chores on the farm and often walked to nearby Walnut creek to fish. He and his father loved to fish together; Rex became a strong swimmer as it was his job to swim across the river to run the trot line, bringing the fish home for supper. He remained fluent in English and Polish all of his life.
He attended St Mary’s Catholic school and played football as Captain of the fighting Bremond Tigers football team. During this time, he excelled academically and sang in the choir. He also learned to play the harmonica by ear, just as his father did. Rex and his sisters enjoyed going to hear small town Polish bands, enjoying dancing, particularly the polka.
Rex attended Texas A&M his freshman year in college and graduated from the University of Houston with pride. After getting his CPA license, he held jobs in accounting and upper management such as President and CEO of Kelly Data Processing.
Rex was known as a good Christian man, highly intelligent, a role model, mentor and Patriarch of the family. He modeled the behavior that it is not always easy to do what is right, but you must do what is right in the eyes of God and within our society.
Upon retirement, he became a highly sought after substitute teacher in the Pasadena School District, making himself available to teach grades 2 through 11. He taught the school children their lessons as well as life lessons; he was loved by the kids, often receiving pictures they had drawn of him.
Rex was preceded in death by parents, Pearl and Stanislaus Knapik and siblings Sophia Gamble, Louise Knapik, Leona Hanus and Leonard Knapik, granddaughters, Kara Christian Wilcox, Karine Angela Moore and grandson, Cameron Reece Wilcox. He is survived by his beloved spouse of 57 years, Mary Katherin Knapik, seven children, 11 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren, known to them as Paw-Paw Rex. This blended family is comprised of children: Kathe Jo Clemons, Cynthia Ann Schmidt, Jimmy Ray Wilcox, Karren Rene Purcell, James Douglas Knapik, Stanley Wharton Knapik and Christopher Michael Knapik. Grand Children: Drake Curtis, Regan Richelle and Kash Douglas Knapik, Marlanda Jo and Jana Rene Wilcox. Joshua Ray Moore, Kaitlynn Marie, Nicolas Hunter, Michael Reese, Matthew James, and Fisher Haney Knapik. Great-grandchildren: Ryann Taylor Knapik and Hayden Rae Knapik, Finley and Bella Knapik, Maeve Marie Kennedy. Braelynn Randall, CJ Gauna and Levi Randall, Aiden Hobbs and Sienna Wilcox, Arianna Giselle, and Angelina Karine Moore.
Rex and his life lessons will live on within the hearts of his family and friends. Stories of his life, faith, work ethic and determination to do what is right will be passed on to future generations.
A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, November 2, 2024 at noon.
First Presbyterian Church – 4647 Preston Avenue, Pasadena, Texas 77505
Immediately following will be a reception with light refreshments.
Flowers may be sent to the church early on the morning of November 2nd.
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