Dominik Eugene Hamala

JMJ

PRAISE AND BLESS MY LORD AND SERVE HIM WITH GREAT HUMILITY

It is with great sorrow that Dominik (Gene) Eugene Hamala, a generous and loving husband, father, grandfather, and brother passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family at his home in Centerville, Texas on January 21, 2023, at the age of 79.

He is survived by Betty Hamala, his devoted wife of 57 years, their three children, Valerie Hamala Sweeten (David Sweeten), Christopher Hamala (Cynthia Bystrak), Elizabeth Hamala and his nine grandchildren Sierra Bystrak, Zachary Gunselman, Natalie Gunselman, Calvin Gunselman, Charlie Gunselman, Evie Sweeten Rosales (Chuck Rosales), Tyler Sweeten, Jessica Sweeten, and Caleb Sweeten.

Gene, the oldest of six children, was born on April 21, 1943, in Houston, Texas to Marie Sarao Hamala and Dominik P. Hamala. His siblings were Michael Hamala, Mary Francis Andrews, Theresa Gould, Richard Hamala, and Gina Demny.

Growing up in north Houston, he attended Assumption Catholic Church parochial school, graduated from St. Pius X High School in 1961 and attended the University of Houston.

In 1966, Gene married Betty at Assumption Catholic Church and began his career as a machinist. In 1972, he launched his own business, Hamala Machine Works, Inc. and was considered an innovative businessman, a finessed mathematician, and an expert in his field serving clients throughout the Greater Houston area.

Gene was an exceptional man of faith. At Annunciation Catholic Church, he was an active member serving as Pro-Life coordinator who participated and organized numerous pro-life activities.

He was also a professed member of the Third Order of St. Francis of Assisi for 30 years where he visited children in Texas Children's Hospital and administered to prisoners. He also helped to serve monasteries and convents by helping them in many ways to raise money for their causes as well as administering to the poor by participating in feeding the hungry on many occasions. In addition, he assisted in enthronements of the Sacred Heart.

In 2010, Gene, a world traveler who loved the country, retired to Centerville, Texas. He was an avid outdoorsman and loved all God's creatures, both big and small.

He deeply cherished his family and friends and was known for his wonderful bright smile, sense of humor and his warm personality to everyone he met.

The family would like to acknowledge our granddaughter, Natalie Gunselman, for helping to care for her grandfather as a caretaker for over ten years, and the loving care and concern of all his children and grandchildren.

Visitation, Rosary, and Mass will be celebrated at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church on 3600 Brinkman in Houston, Texas on Monday, January 30, 2023, starting at 9:30 a.m.

After Mass, a brief reception will immediately follow at St. Rose before preceding to the burial, scheduled for 2 p.m. at Forest Park Lawndale at 6900 Lawndale. Dinner will be served at Collina's Italian Café in Heights on 19th Street after the burial.

Pallbearers are Michael Hamala (Honorary Pallbearer), Richard Hamala, Calvin Gunselman, Charlie Gunselman, Zach Gunselman, Caleb Sweeten, David Sweeten and Tyler Sweeten.

May God grant him through his sufferings and good works, eternal rest, and peace.

To leave a message for the family, please visit Walters Funeral Home at www.waltersfuneraldirectorsinc.com/.