Ben Trcalek

Ben was born February 13, 1946 in Bryan, Texas to Ben F. Trcalek, Sr. and Martha (Hovorak) Trcalek. He was baptized at Cooks Point Brethren Church at an early age and confirmed in the Caldwell Brethren Church in 1959. He graduated from Caldwell High School in 1964. Ben was a four year football letterman, four sport letterman, President of the Student Body his senior year (1963-1964), and received a Lone Star Farmer Degree in FFA. He then attended Texas Christian University 1964-1969 on a football scholarship. He graduated in 1969 with a B.S. in Physical Education/Biology & Science. He made the Dean’s List one semester and was a member of Sigma Chi Fraternity.

Ben taught for a short time at JP Elder Middle School in the Ft. Worth ISD, then spent fourteen years teaching and coaching at Spring Branch ISD in Houston. All but one year was spent at Westchester High School where he was Head Football Coach 1979-1984.

Ben loved sports. He liked going to A & M football and basketball games; he was a season ticket holder since 1984. He enjoyed crossword puzzles, traveling, and loved riding through pastures and looking at his cattle and the land. He valued visiting with people and helping others— especially the underdog.

He moved back to Cooks Point in March of 1984 to begin his career as a Rancher, Businessman, Investor, and Civic Leader. He owned and operated with his parents, the Rocking T Ranch, in and around Cooks Point and was a founding director of Peoples National Bank. Ben was a long time member and supporter of Caldwell Brethren Church, serving on the Board of Elders and various committees several times. He was a Board member and past President of Cooks Point Community Services, Inc.; on the building committee when the original Center building was built and President of the Board when the addition was put on extending the north end of the building. He was a member of Burleson County Beef & Forage Committee and supporter of the Burleson County Fair & Auctions for many years. He was a member of the New Tabor SPJST Lodge #17 for over sixty years, where he was serving as Secretary, but had held the positions of President and Vice President. He was also alternate District I Director 2004 to the present time. Board member and past Treasurer of Czech Educational Foundation of Texas (CEFT), Ben was on the ground floor of the University of Texas Czech Chair and A& M Fellowship. Ben was a board member of Burleson County Farm Bureau three times and lifetime member of Sigma Chi Fraternity, life member of Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo, member of Burleson County Czech Heritage Society, supporter and member of A & M 12th Man Foundation and TCU Frog Club. He was a big supporter of the TCU Lettermen’s Association and he supported other areas on campus with donations to the Frog Club, Ranch Management, College of Education, and the Alumni Association.

Ben was preceded in death by his parents Ben & Martha Trcalek; grandparents, B.K. Trcalek & Anna F. (Vavra) Trcalek, Joe F. Hovorak & Albina H. (Luksa) Hovorak; and by two aunts, Esther Trcalek Zavodny and husband George, Lottie Hovorak Drgac and husband Frank; and two uncles Willie Trcalek, Raymond Hovorak and wife Doris, and cousin Randal Ray Hovorak.

He is survived by; aunt, Gladys Trcalek Hejl, many cousins, acquaintances, family and friends and will be greatly missed.

Acting as pallbearers will be David Bormann, Carl Homeyer, Craig Homeyer, Joe W. Hovorak, George Zavodny, Jr., Donnie Suehs, E.J. Schigut, and Alvin Bormann, Jr. Honorary pallbearers are Sal Zaccagnino, Victor Pineda, David Armstrong, Pete Scarmardo, Dr. Chuck Majors, Raymond Loehr, Justin Robertson, and Jose Munoz.

In lieu of flowers Memorial Contributions may be given to the Caldwell Brethren Church, 401 S. Main St., Caldwell, Texas 77836, New Tabor SPJST Lodge #17 in care of Betty Suehs, 801 Dillard St., Caldwell, Texas 77836, or the Caldwell FFA Booster Club care of Susan Skrabanek, 2657 FM 166, Caldwell, Texas 77836.

To send a flower arrangement to the family of Ben Frank Trcalek , please click here to visit our Sympathy Store.