Edwin Francis Muras

Edwin Francis Muras, 77, of La Grange, Texas, passed away peacefully on May 23, 2025, with family by his side. A proud son of Fayette County, Ed was born on December 1, 1947, to Vaclav “Jim” and Leona (Janacek) Muras, and grew up just a stone’s throw from Queen of the Holy Rosary Catholic Church in Hostyn—the same church where he was baptized, received his first communion and was confirmed into his Catholic faith.

He was the third of five children, raised alongside his sisters Veronica Genzer and Cecilia Banse (deceased), and his brothers Ivan and Denis Muras. He attended Hostyn Church Parochial School through 8th grade. A 1966 graduate of La Grange High School, Ed answered the call to serve his country in the Vietnam War as a U.S. Navy Seabee, proudly serving alongside his younger brother, Ivan. He remained committed to service throughout his life as a member of the Vietnam Veterans, American Legion, Knights of Columbus, and Hostyn KJT.

On April 22, 1972, Ed married the love of his life, Helen Urban, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Ellinger, Texas. Their marriage was rooted in faith and family—a union that brought forth three children: Rodney, Nathan (who passed in infancy), and Melissa. Ed never stopped marveling at the blessings of his family. He was incredibly proud of them, speaking of them often. He and Helen shared a deep bond—one filled with dancing, laughter, and quiet devotion. Ed would often introduce Helen with a sly grin as “his first wife,” though everyone knew she was the one and only love of his life.

Ed spent 39 years as local tradesman and partner in Reeder’s Air Conditioning and Heating serving his local community. He was also a lifelong rancher, farmer, and jack-of-all-trades. Whether welding a trailer, building a fence, or fixing something at the church, he could make something out of nothing—and he usually preferred learning to do it himself over paying someone else. A tinkerer and collector of things, Ed believed in being ready for anything. His shop was a trove of tools and treasures, and if you needed something, odds were good he had it—somewhere.

He lived with quiet integrity and unwavering humility. He didn’t speak love often, but he showed it always. He showed up. Every time. He was our backbone—steady, respectful, and strong. He was also a jokester who never met a stranger. After retirement, he’d quip, “I’m retired—call someone who cares!” and he meant it with a smile—and then he would proceed to offer his hand. His motto was “Make hay while the sun shines”—and for Ed, the sun was always shining.

In 2004, he fulfilled a lifelong dream by purchasing property along the Colorado River—a gift to his family that he treasured deeply. He found peace in simple pleasures: walking his land, tinkering, enjoying a cold beer on the back porch overlooking the creek bottom, and watching for the redbirds he loved.

Ed is survived by his beloved wife of 53 years, Helen; his children Rodney (and wife Vicki Holub), and Melissa (and husband Eric Bauer); and his cherished grandchildren: Jacob (and wife Hannah Sims), Jamie, Kaitlyn, and Kole Muras, and Jack and Abby Bauer. He is also survived by his siblings Veronica Genzer, Ivan (Monica) Muras, and Denis (Joyce) Muras; brother-in-law Leonard Banse; and many extended family and friends who will miss him dearly.

He is preceded in death by his infant son, Nathan James Muras; his parents; his sister, Cecilia Banse; and his brother-in-law, Jimmy Genzer.

A Rosary will be held at 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, May 29, 2025, at Fayette Memorial Funeral Home in La Grange, Texas, with visitation beginning at 12:00 noon and family receiving guests from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 1:30 p.m. on Friday, May 30, 2025, at Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Plum, Texas. A private burial will take place at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the building fund at Queen of the Holy Rosary Catholic Church in Hostyn, Texas—the spiritual home Ed loved and served throughout his life.

God’s plan for Ed was to be a teacher—not in a classroom, but by example. He taught us how to truly live: to walk proudly and humbly, to offer our hand to all, and to treat every person like a neighbor. He knew no strangers, and he never raised a hand in anger. Even in his later years, through personal struggles with Parkinson’s and other physical ailments, he remained admired by all who knew him. Ed’s life was a living lesson in strength, compassion, and grace.

A man of deep faith, Ed was especially devoted to quietly praying the Rosary. He walked his path with enduring strength, steady devotion, and love for all those around him.

“Well done, good and faithful servant.” – Matthew 25:23