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EMIL JAROSLAV MICHAL, JR. passed away on Thursday, October 16, 2014 at the age of 66. He is survived by his loving wife of 34 years, Lucy Michal, their son Emil V.J. Michal, and a large, loving extended family. He was preceded in death by his parents, Emil Jaroslav Michal, Sr. and Alice Michal. Emil was born and raised in Houston, received his Bachelor of Sciences from Texas A and M University, and a Master of Sciences from UTEP. He taught at St. Clement’s School and Bel Air High School before starting his career at El Paso Community College, where he taught Physics and Astronomy for 37 years. Emil twice led his students to Cape Kennedy to see their experiments carried into space by the Space Shuttle, one of many highlights of his distinguished career at EPCC. In 2008, Emil was awarded a Doctor of Philosophy in Curriculum and Instruction from New Mexico State University.
We knew Emil as a son, husband, father, brother, godfather, uncle, cousin, teacher, astronomer, neighbor, gardener, cook, sports fan, weather watcher, citizen and more. Emil approached each day with the inquisitive and kind spirit of a wonderful human being who gave much more than he took from life. In the same way Emil excelled at nurturing plants to bloom and bear fruit, he nurtured and cared for us. He tried to give each one of us something to remember and use for the rest of our lives. Those things live on with us. And he made the best apple pie, ever!
Visitation will be held Tuesday, October 21, 2014 from 5:00PM to 9:00PM, with Vigil Service at 7:00PM at Sunset Funeral Home-West, 480 N. Resler Dr. The Rite of the Christian Burial will be held on Wednesday, October 22, 2014 at 10:30AM at St. Patrick Cathedral. Interment will follow at Evergreen East Cemetery. Pallbearers: Emil V.J. Michal, Rick Prieto, Phillip Martin, Adam Juarez, Edward Martin, William Krant. Honorary pallbearers: Vicente Hernandez, Armando Hernandez, Rudy O’Dell.
(I spoke briefly with Emil's wife, Lucy on December 23, 2014. She said the obituary was written by Emil's cousin, Edward Martin - Waltrip Class of '68. She did not give any other information.) Pat Clooney King
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Jerry Hutchins
I remember Emil's quiet and respectful presence was always a joy to be around. I regret that he and I never took the opportunity to explore a deeper friendship. May you rest in peace with our Lord and Savior.
Kathy Lewis (Amen)
I was sorry to hear about Emil's passing, but so pleased to hear such wonderful things about his adult life, and how he made a difference in so many lives. It doesn't surprise me that he became a teacher, and I know his many students were very lucky to learn from him. I have many pleasant memories of interesting discussions and witty banter with Emil, especially in English classes. I considered him one of my best high school friends.
Bob Cheaney
As we get older and these posts seem to become more frequent, obviously some of them affect us more than others. Emil grew up down the street from me. We went to Katherine Smith together. We did Cub Scouts together in his garage where his Mom was our Den Mother. We played little league at the Oaks Dads Club and later at the Lions Club. His Dad was a coach. Always had a toothpick in his mouth. When we started to Black Jr. High I rode to school with him every morning. I remember his cousin Edward who lived across the street from Black. When President Kennedy was shot and school was dismissed early, we had no ride home and went to Edward's house to watch the news unfold.We played basketball together on Emil's driveway and played together for Ronnie Truitt on the 9th grade Tall Boys. When we got to Waltrip most of our Major Works classes were together and we both spent hours nerding for Velma Dickerson in her Math Club and competing in UIL Slide Rule competitions. Yes, really! I still vividly remember Emil and I getting thrown out of Gene Rich's Physics class the next to last day of our Senior year for laughing with Jack Moore and Stan Smith at a silly joke. Had to get a permit signed by AP Burch to take the final the next day. We went to his office and BS'd with him for what seemed forever before we told him why we were there and of course he sent us to Jesse Martin and Gene Agleton to get our due licks for the signed permit.I don't think I ever saw him after High School. My Mom stayed in touch with his Mom and Dad even when they retired to Flatonia. When I was helping with the reunions I did trade emails with him several times imploring him to come. He always said he would try to make it the next time, but never did. I think the last communication I had with him was when I learned of his Dad's passing and I sent him an email. If you are reading this I wish you a Merry Christmas and I hope you were as blessed as I was to have great friends like Emil growing up.
Marijane Morrison (Eubanks)
I was so sorry to hear that Emil passed away. In class he was smart and respectful. I am not surprised that he made such an impact on so many young lives. To lead a life that makes a difference in so many lives is one of life's greatest blessings. God bless you Emil. We will be praying gor your family.Deborah Young (Riddle)
Everyone knew and liked Emil Michael.. I remember him as being kind, rather quiet, good in math, an excellent student. Emil's kind smile and infectious laugh is something we all can pull from our high school memory bank. Even as a kid, I knew Emil would make a difference and be a positive influence in our world. I am so sorry to hear of his passing. Rest in peace Emil.
John Wessels
I have known Emil since the time we competed in Pee Wee baseball. Emil was one of my best friends in high school. It was always a pleasure to have a class with Emil. He was extremely bright and well-liked by everyone. I'll never forget when he went "mod" during our senior year. We gave him a hard time but he took it in stride and seemed to enjoy the kidding we gave him. We played baseball together for Waltrip and drove all over the city with his cousin Edward Martin going to away games. I gradually lost touch with Emil after we went off to different colleges but I have never forgotten our friendship and the fond memories. Rest in peace my friend.
Joe Robles
It would be most difficult to say anything about Emil that hasn't already been said. I was also in the Katherine Smith Elementary group with Bob Cheney, Emil, and others. As I graduated from Cub Scouts to the Boy Scouts it's was Emil's Father, that had a lasting impression upon me. His Dad was always an active member of the Scouts, and he was frequently relating his stories, of his experiences in WWII. It was obvious where Emil acquired his positive characteristics. It does seem that we as a class, are in that time of our lives, when we are hearing more often, of the leaves that have fallen from the "tree of life". He was a good human being.
Robert Wise '68
I am very sad to hear of Emil's passing. I knew Emil and his father primarily through baseball. Emil was a year older than me. In the summer of 1961, Emil and I played for the Giants at the Oaks Dads Club. Mr. Michal was the coach and my father was the assistant coach (my father became the coach in the summer of 1962). I remember that my father greatly respected Mr. Michal and had a good working relationship with him. We had a good team and had a lot of fun that year. I later played with Emil on the Waltrip baseball team in 1967 when he was a senior. He was the starting second baseman as I remember. Emil was always friendly with me. He was a good athlete and he was clearly a very intelligent person. I did not know Emil after he graduated from Waltrip but it seems that he had a useful and happy life. My condolences to all of his family and friends.
Carrol Johnson
Carrol Johnson
Emil Jaroslav Michal, Jr