Richard Benedict Janda

Richard Benedict Janda was born Feb. 6, 1920 in La Grange. After a long and blessed life, he passed away peacefully in San Antonio on May 23, 2019 at the age of 99.

Richard was preceded in death by Martha, his wife of 50 years, and their son Donald. Richard’s siblings Martha Hoffmann, Lad Janda, and Annie Janda all predeceased him.

He is survived by children Loretta Valenta; Richard (Dick) Janda and wife, Sandy; Delores (Lori) Gililland and husband, John; Diane Janda; five grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren.

Richard started playing in “The Henry Janda Band” (his father) when he was only 10 years old. When he joined the Service during WW II as an accomplished trombone player, he became a member of his Unit’s Army Band. Upon discharge, when the war ended, he moved to Austin and was employed by J. R. Reed Music as a band instrument repairman for 18 years.

In 1964 he opened his own business, “Richard’s Music Center”, in Austin and provided sales and service for band and orchestra instruments. Over the ensuing 44 years he developed a special love of string instruments and he repaired and serviced violins and guitars for professional musicians, schools and students until forced to retire in 2008 at age 88 due to failing eyesight.

During those working years he found time to be an active member of the KJT (Czech Catholic Fraternal Organization) and served as President of the St. Stephen’s Society. He also earned the title of “Consulting Rosarian” with the American Rose Society and served as President for the Austin Society. His beautiful homestead was adorned with over 300 rose bushes often in full bloom. Other hobbies included fishing and playing dominos. His favorite sports teams were the New York Yankees, Dallas Cowboys, and the Texas A&M Aggies.

Richard was a devout Catholic and an active member of St Ignatius Martyr Parish and later at St. Louis King of France Parish. He was also very proud of his Czech heritage.

We wish to give special thanks to the caregivers at St. Francis Nursing Home in San Antonio for their loving care during his last two years of life.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial donations to St. Francis Nursing Home in San Antonio or the Texas Czech Heritage & Cultural Center in La Grange, Texas.

Visitation will be held Monday, June 3, 2019 from 5 to 7 p.m. with Vigil Service and Rosary at 7 p.m. at Cook-Walden Funeral Home, 6100 N. Lamar Blvd., Austin, TX 78752.

Funeral Mass will be held Tuesday, June 4, 2019 at 10 a.m. at St. Louis King of France Catholic Church, 7601 Burnet Rd., Austin, TX 78757. Rite of Christian Burial will be held Tuesday, June 4, 2019 at 1 p.m. at Assumption Cemetery, 3650 South IH 35, Austin, TX 78704.