Johnnie Jean Luchak LaComb

Johnnie Jean Luchak LaComb was born in Wharton, Texas, and graduated from Wharton High School with the Class of 1958. She was raised on the family farm that did not have electricity until after World War II. As a young girl, her daily responsibilities included milking the cows before catching the school bus each morning.

Driven by her love of travel, Johnnie enlisted in the United States Air Force, where she served in Texas, California, and Maine as an IBM keypunch operator. In 1959, she married the love of her life, Lloyd LaComb. Together they raised three sons—Lloyd Jr., Leonard, and Lorne—in West University Place. Dedicated to her family, Johnnie worked additional jobs to help ensure that all three of her sons could attend college.

In 1989, Johnnie returned to Wharton. She was an active member of Holy Family Catholic Church, serving with the KJZT, assisting families by preparing meals following funerals, and helping care for the church. One of her most cherished possessions was her mother's Virgin Mary necklace, which she wore throughout her life.

Johnnie was preceded in death by her parents, Francis (Kliss) and John Luchak; an infant son; six sisters, Mary Burr, Martha Sophia, Millie Copeland, Betty Joe Kahanek, Francis Ainsworth, and Patricia Sterry; and two brothers, Willie and Robert Luchak.

She is survived by her beloved husband of 67 years, Lloyd; her sons, Lloyd Jr. and his wife Erin, Leonard and his wife Cathy, and Lorne and his wife Pam; her grandchildren, Leann Hastings, Paul Lee, Alex LaComb, and Michelle Novak; her great-grandchildren, Anders, Briggs, William, Ava, James, and Violet; as well as many cousins, nieces, and nephews.

A rosary will be held at Holy Family Catholic Church in Wharton (2011 Briar Lane, Wharton) on Friday June 26 at 9:30 am followed by mass at 10:00am and interment at Evergreen Memorial Park with a reception to follow at Holy Family. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the American Cancer Society.