Ernest "Spider" Joe Macha

Ernest Joe Macha was born on December 21, 1945 in Wharton, TX, to Joe and Edna Horecka Macha.  He passed away at home on Monday, December 28, 2020.

Ernest Joe attended Holy Family Catholic School in Wharton for 4 years and then finished elementary school in Hungerford.  He was a 1964 graduate of East Bernard High School.  He then attended Wharton County Junior College and Sam Houston State University, graduating with a Bachelor’s Degree in Business. He served our country in the US Army and was honorably discharged to return home and take care of his parents.  He worked for J.D. Hudgins Ranch and later worked for the late Chris King, Precinct 2 Commissioner in East Bernard, retiring in 2015.  He was very active and well known in school sports and acquired the nickname “Spider” when he played high school baseball.  He was a founding member and helped organize the Hungerford Volunteer Fire Department. He served on the Wharton County Fire Board and other organizations, was a member of East Bernard American Legion Post 226 and a member of the Knights of Columbus of East Bernard.

He was preceded in death by his father, Joe Macha and his mother Edna Horecka Macha, his sister, Edna Jane Macha, brother, Linhart Macha, nephew, Christopher Bartos and brother-in-law Simon Bartos.

He is survived by his sister, Joyce Bartos of Rosenberg; niece Sharon Kristynik and husband, Rick of Rosenberg; their son Kyle Kristynik, wife Janice and children Emily, Aubrey and Noah Kristynik of Bedford; and son Ryan Kristynik and wife, Nicole of Bacliff. Nephew Scott Bartos and wife, Susan along with their daughters Sarah Bartos, Samantha Ikels and husband, Brandon of New Braunfels; and many cousins and close friends.

A rosary will be recited on Saturday, January 16, 2021 at 9:30 a.m. at St. John’s Catholic Church in Hungerford.  A Funeral Mass will follow at 10:00 a.m. with Father Charles Dwomoh officiating.  A rite of burial and committal will follow at St. John’s Catholic Cemetery in Hungerford.  Serving as pallbearers will be his nephews and members of the Hungerford Fire Department.