Edward Rudolph Drabek Jr.'s Obituary
Edward Rudy Drabek December 30, 1944 – March 16, 2025
It is with both sorrow and hope in Christ that we announce the passing of our beloved Rudy Drabek, who went home to be with the Lord on March 16, 2025, at the age of 80. While we are deeply saddened by his passing, we rest in our faith that he is now in the comforting presence of God’s grace.
Rudy was born on December 30, 1944, in Houston, Texas to Eddie and Louise Drabek. From an early age, Rudy was surrounded by a tight knit family, and through the years, they celebrated many gatherings and family reunions in Lake Livingston hosted by Eddie and Louise Drabek. Rudy attended Nederland high school, where he developed and kept many close friends. Rudy was scheduled to attend his 62nd High School Reunion in Nederland the weekend following his passing. Rudy served in the Air Force Reserves for seven years before beginning his career in food service sales.
Rudy was an active member of The Foundry Church, Jones Road, where he was involved with The Fellowship Riders, which one of his grandchildren referred to as “Papa Rudy’s motorcycle gang.” He was also a member of several life groups. Rudy had a deeply rooted community of friends through these groups he was actively involved with.
Rudy was blessed to share a loving marriage with Donna Drabek for 59 years. Rudy demonstrated his love for Donna daily in his actions and words and their love was a model to the family. Together, they raised 2 children, Staci Drabek Atchison and Scott Drabek. Rudy was an involved father and through his humbling, yet quiet strength and his strong morals, he worked diligently to instill in them the values of faith, love, and commitment. Six grandchildren adoringly called him Papa Rudy, which stuck and to many friends and family, he was their Papa Rudy. He has left a legacy through his relationships with many friends and family.
Rudy is survived by his spouse of almost 60 years, Donna Drabek, his children Staci Drabek Atchison, her husband Steve Atchison and Scott Drabek. He is survived by six grandchildren: Alexis and Kyle Cicio, Jesse Drabek, Abbi and Kyle King, Emileigh Drabek, Austin Atchison and Ellie Drabek. He was also blessed with 2 great-grandchildren, Olivia Cicio and Jean King. Rudy is now reunited in heaven with his parents Eddie and Louise Drabek, his brother Wayne Ford and many other loving friends and family members.
The family would like to invite friends and family to celebrate Rudy’s legacy as follows:
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March 23, 2025: Viewing to be held at South Park Funeral home from 5:00p.m. to 7:00p.m. at 1310 North Main Street, Pearland, TX 77581
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March 24, 2025: A celebration of Rudy’s life and faith will be held on March 24, 2025, at The Foundry Church at 10:00 a.m., immediately followed by a reception at the church.
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March 24, 2025: Burial Services at South Park Burial, in Pearland at 2:00p.m. (Note: There will not be a procession from the church).
Friends and family are invited to gather, share memories, and the impact that Rudy had on their life.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Foundry Church, Jones Road in Rudy’s memory.
While the sudden loss of Rudy has left our hearts broken and sad, much like the Lenten season, we are experiencing a “bright sadness” as we reflect on both the brightness and sadness we are experiencing today. We take comfort in knowing that Rudy is reunited with his loved ones and now rests in the loving arms of our Savior, Jesus Christ. Though our hearts grieve, we are strengthened by the hope of resurrection and the promise that we will see him again.
"Weeping may stay for the night, but rejoicing comes in the morning.” Psalm 30:5
What’s your fondest memory of Edward?
What’s a lesson you learned from Edward?
Share a story where Edward's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Edward you’ll never forget.
How did Edward make you smile?
