Theodore "Ted" Emil Hajek

Theodore "Ted" Emil Hajek, a devoted husband, loving father, adored granddad, and proud Texas cattleman, passed away peacefully on Monday, September 14, 2026, at the age of 84. Born on February 20, 1942, in Fort Worth, Texas, Ted was the eighth of nine children born to Joseph Emil and Jennie Lea Hajek. He grew up with a deep love for family and community, graduating from Burleson High School in 1960. A standout multisport athlete in high school, Ted's talent on the gridiron earned him a football scholarship to Texas Christian University. He graduated from TCU in 1964 with a Bachelor's Degree in Education, remaining a passionate Horned Frog throughout his life. He remained at TCU in the Athletic Department serving in several positions as ticket manager, business manager, golf coach, and associate athletic director. He also took coursework in TCU's Ranch Management program, a testament to his lifelong love for the Texas land. In 1979, Ted left TCU to work in construction with his brother, Edward, at Services Unlimited, contracting with Southwestern Bell Telephone and AT&T for laying and maintaining underground telephone cable.

It was in the first grade that Ted met the absolute love of his life, Judy. His childhood sweetheart became his wife on June 7, 1963. Together, Ted and Judy shared a beautiful, deeply devoted 63-year marriage built on unconditional love, mutual respect, and a lifetime of shared memories. Ted and Judy were blessed with two sons. Their firstborn, Joseph Theodore Hajek, arrived on April 28, 1964. Though Joseph's life was tragically cut short on September 17, 1980, after a courageous battle with Cystic Fibrosis, his memory remained a guiding light for the family. Their younger son, William Clyde Hajek, was born on December 17, 1969. Will married Lisa Diane Hernandez of San Antonio, and together they gave Ted his ultimate joy: his three grandchildren, Joseph Ryon (born 1999), Ryleigh Nicole (born 2001), and Reese Annsley (born 2004). Ted absolutely adored his grandchildren and cherished every moment spent watching them grow. Family life was filled with vibrant traditions, including annual trips to the Fort Worth Rodeo, cheering loud at TCU football games, and gathering for long dinners at their favorite restaurant, Anamia's. In 1980, Ted fulfilled a lifelong dream and purchased a farm in Grandview, Texas. He loved nothing more than jumping on his John Deere tractor, mowing and plowing, tending to his alfalfa hay, and raising his cattle. After retirement, Ted found immense peace and satisfaction at the farm, spending countless quiet afternoons sitting on the porch, looking out over the pastures and reflecting contentedly on the simple pleasures of a life well-lived.

Ted is survived by his beloved wife, Judy; his son, Will Hajek, and daughter-in-law, Lisa; his three grandchildren, Ryon, Ryleigh, and Reese; his sisters, Sharon and Helen, and numerous nephews and nieces. He was preceded in death by his son, Joseph Theodore Hajek; his parents, Joseph and Jennie Lea; and his siblings, Juliette, Norma Lee, Mary Jo, Edward, Wilbur, and Jeanene.

Ted's warmth, strength, and steady love will be profoundly missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations to Cystic Fibrosis Foundation or First United Methodist Church in Burleson would be appreciated.

Services will be held at First United Methodist Church in Burleson on Monday, September 28, 2026 at 10am, with viewing from 6 to 8 pm on Sunday, September 27, at Mountain Valley Funeral Home.