Stanley Mach

Stanley Albert Mach, 92, of La Grange, passed away on Thursday, March 30, 2023.

Stanley was born in La Grange, Texas on October 24, 1930, the eldest son of Stanley Simon and Eleonora (Kurtz) Mach. His formative years were spent in the Hostyn and O'Quinn areas of Fayette County. Stanley was baptized at the Queen of the Holy Rosary church in Hostyn on November 6, 1930.

Stanley was a member of the United States Army from February 6, 1952, to January 26, 1954, where he received an Honorable Discharge. His major course involved a Tractor Scraper, where he would later use the skills from his service in his private work and career. He was stationed for the most part of his service in Germany, as part of the occupied forces there.

Almost immediately after his military service, Stanley married Ruby Helton on August 1, 1954. They produced two daughters and one son as a result of their marriage. Stanley and Ruby raised their family, first in Webster and then in La Grange. Stanley was very involved in his children's life and always found time to watch them in all their activities. Stanley was very fond of his ranch in O'Quinn as well as the many families and friends that he kept up with in that area. Other interests that Stanley enjoyed were his annual 4th of July picnics at his farm, love of dogs, hunting and traveling.

Stanley used the experience and skills learned in the Army in his work and career as a heavy equipment operator. He began his career operating equipment for other companies in the Webster area. Later, he and his brother Jacob "Buddy" Mach formed a partnership as land improvement contractors, using their bulldozers to help farmers and ranchers with their land needs. This included building stock ponds for cattle and clearing brush for crops. He and his brother would later become independent contractors, each with their own business. He was very proud of the work that he and his brother did over the many years.

Stanley is preceded in death by his wife, Ruby. He is survived by his brother Jacob "Buddy" Mach and his wife Eloise of La Grange; sister Eleanor "Siddie" Loehr of La Grange; sister Dorothy Saunders of San Antonio; sister Lillie Clark of Washington state; sister Margaret Dennis of San Antonio; daughter Cheryl Schmidt and husband Kenny of La Grange; daughter Susan Tully her and husband Kevin of Colleyville; son Michael Mach and his wife Tracy of La Grange; seven grandchildren; and five great grand-children. Many nieces and nephews also survive.

A memorial service will be held in May at the Black Jack cemetery, with details to be published in the coming weeks. Memorial contributions may be made to the Gardenia Jansen Animal Shelter in La Grange or to the charity of one's choice.