Obituaries

Jerry Mikeska, age 96, passed away peacefully on May 12, 2020 in Austin, Texas. He was born in Taylor, Texas on June 5, 1923, to John and Frances Valis Mikeska. Jerry grew up working on his family's farm and got his first job at the age of 14 working in a meat market. At age 19 he enlisted in the Army Air Corp to serve in World War II. Jerry was a mess sergeant in the 417th Night Fighter Squadron which flew the P-61 Black Widow. Jerry received two Bronze Stars. Following the war he opened a meat market in Georgetown and after two years moved to Bastrop where he bought a new meat market. In Bastrop he met and married Arlyne Linenberger and in 1955 they had their first child, Gregory. Soon after in 1956 Jerry bought a meat market in Columbus and his daughter Marcy was born a few years later. In the back of the market he also sold barbecue and sausage, serving it on butcher paper with crackers and bread. Jerry's meat market ultimately evolved into a well known barbecue restaurant and catering business earning him the name "Barbecue King of the Southwest". He had many loyal employees over the years and many affectionately called him "Boss". He especially enjoyed visiting with customers, saying "Thank you for stopping with us" and handing out dollar coins to the children.

Visitation for Tyler Scott Mazac, 29, will be held Saturday, May 23 from 9:30 to 11 a.m. at Knesek Family Funeral Chapel in Sealy at Hwy 36 location at 1140 Meyer St. in Sealy.

Curtis Mae Denley, 77, of Alleyton passed away May 2 at her residence in Sacramento, Calif.