Leonard Pawlik

Leonard Joseph Pawlik, 81, of George West, Texas, passed away peacefully on February 21, 2025.

Born March 7, 1943, Leonard was the fifth child of Justina (Brysch) and Stanley Pawlik. He was born and grew up in Live Oak County alongside five brothers and sisters: Gladys, George, Aggie, Grace, and Mitchell. A 1961 graduate of George West High School, Leonard attended Texas A&I University, earning a Master of Science degree in Agriculture Education. He earned his supervisor certification from Corpus Christi State University.

Leonard met Betty Jo Ballentine at Texas A&I University, and they married after graduation on August 21, 1965. The pair enjoyed 60 wonderful years together, raising three children; Patti, James and Becky, building a life filled with blessings.

Roy E. Disney, the brother of Walt Disney is credited with saying, “When your values are clear, the choices are easy.” This statement resonated with Leonard Pawlik. He lived his life and career rooted in strong values.

Mr. Pawlik, as he was known to his students, taught agriculture in Harlingen, Texas, for two years, then moved to Beeville ISD, where he taught for 17 years. He then moved into the role of Career & Technology Education Director in Beeville ISD for 15 years, retiring in 1998.

Rooted in his values, a simple, humble and kind man, Mr. Pawlik worked to instill those same values in his students. His greatest joy was working with students and watching them develop into young adults. During his career, Mr. Pawlik and his students participated in and competed in numerous ag contests and livestock shows throughout the area, region and state. He especially enjoyed the grass contest, often stopping his truck along the roads of Bee County to pick up a grass sample for his students to identify. (Much to the embarrassment of his own children who would say, “Dad, you have several samples of Sideoats Grama, already.”)

He served his community on the Bee County Junior Livestock & Homemakers Show Board as president, served on the Bee County Western Week Committee, and the Bee County Farm Bureau Board. He served on the Board of Directors for the Texas Agriculture Teachers Association and as president of the Area X Agriculture Teachers.

Leonard and Betty Pawlik dedicated their lives to public education, serving in various roles from teacher to administrator over the years, carrying a strong belief and commitment to their student’s educational lives and the value education played in their success. Their own children were all products of the Beeville ISD ag program and the deep-rooted values that remained the core of their Dad’s life.

Leonard was a man of great faith who loved his family dearly, teaching each of his children and grandchildren the value of the land and the promises delivered from a strong faith in the Lord.

In his retirement, Leonard loved living the ranch life, working with his cattle, and maintaining “the home place.” He was proud of his home and heritage, earning the distinction of 2019 Texas Department of Agriculture Family Land Heritage honoree in a ceremony held in the Texas Capitol in Austin. The Family Land Heritage program recognizes family farms and ranches engaged in continuous agricultural production for 100 years or more.

Leonard battled pancreatic cancer for the last 12 months of his life, gaining support from his doctors. Dr. Joseph Larakers, MD, shared of Leonard, “He was a person of strength and quality.”

Leonard is preceded in death by his parents, Justina and Stanley Pawlik; and four siblings, Grace McCann (Bill), George Pawlik (Mary), Mitchell Pawlik (Debbie), and Aggie Lyssy (Henry). His daughter, Rebecca Elizabeth Pawlik, preceded him in death just two years ago.

Leonard is survived by his wife, Betty; two of his children, Patti (Julian) Perales and James (Rhonda) Pawlik; six grandchildren, Justin Pawlik, Jacob Pawlik, Julian C. Perales, Amanda Perales, Joshua Pawlik, and Kyleigh Pawlik. He is also survived by one sister, Gladys (Art) Sterns; sisters-in-law, Mary Evelyn (George) Pawlik, Debbie (Mitchell) Pawlik, and Katherine (Jim) Zook; and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.

To honor Leonard’s life, a visitation will be held on Friday, February 28, beginning at 5 p.m. with a Rosary immediately following at 7 p.m., at St. George Catholic Church in George West.

The funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10 a.m. on Saturday, March 1, at St. George with interment immediately following at St. George Cemetery.

Pallbearers are Bryan Brysch, Larry Farve, Andy Galloway, Kris Linney, Keith Pawlik, and John Rader.

Honorary Pallbearers are Jimmy Bednorz, John Galloway, John Ed Holland, Jack Linney, Dennis Mauer, Justin Pawlik, Jacob Pawlik, Joshua Pawlik, Kyleigh Pawlik, Julian Perales, Julian C. Perales, Amanda Perales, and all former agriculture students.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the American Cancer Society, the A.C. Jones High School F.F.A. Program or a charity of your choice.