E. Kolly

Emrick Paul "E. P." Kolly passed away on January 26, 2018. A viewing will be held at Elmwood Funeral Home beginning at 6:00 p.m. to be followed by a rosary at 7:00 p.m on Tuesday, January 30, 2018. Funeral mass will be at Holy Family Catholic Church at 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, January 31, 2018.

E.P. was born Emrick Paul Kolodziejczyk on June 22, 1922 in Yorktown, Texas. Long known as "Kolly" by his friends and colleagues, he officially changed his last name in 1968. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Josephine (Kempf). He is survived by their five children, Donald Kolodziejczyk, Loretta Prokop, Dwayne Kolly, Marilyn Warren, and Judith Raven. He was blessed by five grandchildren, Faye Kolly, Martha Mosinski, Kathryn Kolly, Jimmy Steele, and Alison Steele, as well as with seven great-grandchildren.

His family moved from Yorktown to Wilson, Texas when E. P. was an infant. He was raised on the family's cotton farm and graduated from Wilson High School. E. P. joined the U. S. Army Air Corps during World War II shortly after his wedding with Josephine, and served in the Pacific Theater from 1943 until discharged in1945. He resumed a career in banking upon his return from military service working in Slaton, Odessa, and Houston. In 1968 he came to Abilene to work at Abilene National Bank, later serving as President of Security State Bank. He remained in Abilene until December 2016 when health concerns led him to move to Austin to be closer to family.

He and Josephine were devoted Catholics and were among the first members of Holy Family Catholic Church when the parish was organized. Throughout his life, E. P. exemplified the values and teachings inspired by his abiding Christian faith. He was known for his openness, friendliness, and generous spirit. He gained the respect and friendship of people from all walks of life. He was a faithful and devoted husband and father, and a constant beacon of love and good humor for his grandchildren.

Kolly loved sports and the outdoors. Throughout his life he was an avid fisherman, and often enjoyed hunting. He was a dedicated and serious bowler, and continued to participate in team bowling into his 90s. For many years, he owned a small ranch in Eastland County that was universally known as "Kolly's Folly", where he ran cattle, hunted and fished. He greatly enjoyed the physical labor at the ranch and the projects he undertook there.

E. P.'s family and friends will forever hold the memory and spirit of this good and humble man in their hearts.

Visitation

Elmwood Funeral Home
5750 HWY 277 South
Abilene, TX  79606
Tuesday, January 30, 2018
6:00 PM

Service

Prayer Service

Elmwood Funeral Home Chapel
5750 HWY 277 South
Abilene, TX  79606
Tuesday, January 30, 2018
7:00PM

Funeral Mass

Holy Family Catholic Church
5410 Buffalo Gap Road
Abilene, TX  79606
Wednesday, January 31, 2018
10:00 AM

Cemetery

Elmwood Memorial Park
5750 HWY 277 South
Abilene, TX  79606