Roland Junek

Roland Junek, 63, of Snook passed away peacefully at his home on May 25, 2024, with his family by his side after a valiant six-month fight with brain cancer. A visitation for Roland will be held on Friday, May 31, 2024, from 5:00pm – 7:00pm at Strickland Funeral Home in Somerville. Funeral service is set for 10:00am at Snook Brethren Church on Saturday, June 1, 2024. Interment will follow the service at Snook Cemetery.

Roland was born August 4, 1960, in Brenham, Texas to Clarence Lee and Dallia (Paschall) Junek. He lived in Snook his entire life.

Roland graduated from Snook High School in 1978 and then attended TSTI in Waco. While he was there, he met Valerie. They were married in August of 1980 and together had four children: Jamie, Jenni, Jodie, and Jared. Roland’s life revolved around his family. He was involved in the activities of his kids and their friends. He always made sure his home, food, or even a ride if needed was available to everyone. Many still refer to him as “Dad” or “Pops”. So many memories were made and shared along with a lifetime of love, laughter, and tears.

Being the father of three girls, Roland never seemed to master the art of styling their hair to their satisfaction, but he certainly gave it his best shot. Valerie always insisted that their girls MUST have their hair fixed to perfection before going out in public although you would have no idea by looking at them now! Then when Jared came along, life was much simpler… It was buzzcuts from then on.

While Roland was a devoted and passionate father, his grandchildren were the light of his life. He enjoyed taking them to the pasture to ride on tractors and feed the cows. He loved his grandchildren endlessly.

Roland was a former president of the Snook VFD and oversaw the construction of the Snook Fire Station which still stands today. He was also a member of Lee Scott Lodge #793 of Somerville, served as mayor of Snook for several years, and spent time as manager and coach of Snook Little League.

Roland’s strong work ethic did not go unnoticed and was admired by many. He was his dad’s right-hand-man, tending to the cattle and baling hay. After many years of learning from his father, Roland took over the cattle business and in turn passed that knowledge onto his son.

Roland worked for over 42 years in the natural gas pipeline industry. Within that time, the company’s name changed many times, but the camaraderie and friendships never did. His coworkers at Energy Transfer were his second family and there he made so very many lifelong friends.

Roland is preceded in death by his parents, Clarence and Dallia. He is survived by his children Jamie, Jenni, Jodie and her fiancé William, Jared and his wife Codi, all of the Snook area; his five grandchildren Chris, Jaycee, Kevin, Patton, and Sawyer; his brother Clarence of Snook and his sister Karen and her husband JD of Inez, as well as a great number of nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Serving as pall bearers are members of the Lee Scott Lodge #793 of Somerville. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Snook Brethren Church, Hospice Brazos Valley, or Lee Scott Lodge.

A special thank you goes out to Hospice Brazos Valley. We especially wish to thank Caitlin Strong, Roland’s nurse, who quickly became part of the family. Her care and devotion to Roland was such a comfort to us all.