Paul Skrabanek

Paul Martin Skrabanek, better known as “B,” was born on October 12, 1949, to Edward Skrabanek and Milady (Vychopen) Skrabanek. Paul passed away peacefully on February 9, 2026, at his home, surrounded by family.

After graduating from Caldwell High School, Paul attended Blinn College before beginning his career with the City of Caldwell. He later answered the call to serve his country by joining the United States Navy, enlisting under the “Buddy System.” True to Paul’s luck and sense of humor, he was quickly sent in a different direction from his buddies. After boot camp, he was stationed in Corpus Christi, where he landed what many would call a dream assignment—taking the Admiral deep-sea fishing.

Upon returning home from military service, Paul worked for R.B. Butler and later for Lindy Dennis for several years. It was while working for Lindy Dennis that he met Debbie Homeyer at a dance in Dime Box. After just six months of dating, Paul and Debbie were married on October 28, 1978, at Elizabeth Lutheran Church in Caldwell. In the years that followed, they welcomed their two children, Stephen and Tiffany.

Paul later changed career paths when a friend introduced him to work in the oil field. He spent the remainder of his working years in the industry, concluding his career with Mitchell Energy. As his health declined and mobility became more difficult, Paul stepped away from work, but not before training a friend to take over checking the oil wells.

In his younger years, Paul found great joy in the outdoors. He loved gardening, deer and dove hunting, and fishing. Time spent with Paul was never just time spent—it was always an experience. Some of his most treasured moments, and the stories that will be told and retold for years to come, were made during deer hunting seasons with family and friends. Those trips were filled with laughter, unexpected adventures, and plenty of comical and sometimes unbelievable stories. If you were with Paul, you knew you were going to leave with a memory—and usually a story worth repeating.

Paul never missed a party, especially if there was polka music playing and pivo on ice. If a dance floor was nearby, he was sure to be on it. He proudly led countless grand marches over the years, embracing the role with enthusiasm and a smile, setting the tone for celebration and making sure everyone felt part of the fun.

Paul was a longtime member of Elizabeth Lutheran Church in Caldwell, where he attended regularly and served on the church council for many years. He was also involved in the Caldwell Jaycees, Deanville Gun Club, Caldwell Fire Department, and the Happy Skrabanek Relays.

Paul was an avid sports fan, especially devoted to the Texas Longhorns—much to the dismay of his Aggie-loving wife and son. The Longhorn–Aggie rivalry always raised the stakes in their household, turning game days into spirited competitions. Thanks to two of his best friends, who faithfully called with the kickoff time and channel lineup, Paul rarely missed a game. But above all, even when he was no longer mobile, Paul’s faith remained an important part of his life–he watched Charles Stanley’s services on television every Sunday

Paul was preceded in death by his parents Edward and Milady Skrabanek; his brother, Edward Skrabanek, Jr.; his niece, Rhonda Skrabanek Trahan, and his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Edward and Johnnie Ruth Homeyer.

Paul is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 47 years, Debra (Debbie) Skrabanek; his son, Stephen P. Skrabanek and his wife Dana; his daughter, Tiffany Parkin and her husband Kit; his grandchildren, Brynleigh Parkin, Carson Parkin, Peyton Skrabanek, and Casen Skrabanek. He is also survived by his sister, Patsy Muzny and her husband James; his brother-in-law Barney Homeyer and his wife Cathy; his sister-in-law, Suzanne Skrabanek; and his nieces and nephews: Byron Trahan; Roxanne and Marty Bryan; Ashley and Kevin Landolt; Dennis and Jill Homeyer; Catie and Sid Dromgoole, along with numerous great nieces and nephews. Paul also leaves behind two dear friends who meant the world to him and remained in daily contact with him–Duane Suehs and Emmitt Wolz.

Pallbearers will be George (Butchie) Zavodny, Robert Kocurek, Emmitt Wolz, Duane Suehs, Larry Blum, and Mike McManus. Honorary Pallbearers are Allen Garbs, Pat Seymour, Steve Kocurek, Josh Freeman, Marty Bryan, Byron Trahan, Barney Homeyer, Dennis Homeyer, and James Muzny.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Elizabeth Lutheran Church – Building Fund (P.O. Box 675, Caldwell, TX 77836), Acara Hospice (601 Graham Rd., College Station, TX 77845), Vital Caring Group (formerly Traditions Home Health) (1103 Rock Prairie Rd., Suite 2051A, College Station, TX 77845), or to the charity of one’s choice.