Larry James Chaloupka

Dr. Larry James Chaloupka, Sr. 80, died March 18, 2022, surrounded by his loving family. He was born on June 27, 1941, in Rosenberg, Texas, the son of Henry John Chaloupka and Marie Edna (Zwahr) Chaloupka. The family will receive friends at a visitation to take place Thursday, March 24, 2022, from 5:00-7:00 p.m. at Commerce Funeral Home. A funeral will take place on Friday, March 25, 2022, at 1:00 pm at First Baptist Church, Commerce, with Rev. Kris Myers officiating. Burial will be at Restland Memorial Park in Dallas.

Larry graduated from Needville High School with the class of 1959. He then earned his BS degree in 1962 and his MA degree in 1965, both from Sam Houston State University. He completed his formal education in 1969, earning his Doctor of Education degree from Louisiana State University in 1969. He spent thirty-four years in Commerce in the Health and Physical Education department of East Texas State University (Texas A&M-Commerce), until his retirement in 2007.

After retirement, Larry stayed active by teaching Sunday School classes for all ages and stages of life. He was very involved with his grandchildren. He enjoyed their concerts, sporting events, graduations, and other life events. He was a member of TAPHERD, served as a deacon at FBC-Commerce, President of Parks and Recreation Board in Commerce, SPJST, as well as working with the college ministry at FBC. Larry was an avid golfer, traveled, loved reading, and watching sports, as well as keeping up with political news.

Left to cherish Larry’s memory are his loving wife of 39 years, Linda; his children, Larry Chaloupka, Jr. and wife, Rochelle, and Molly Chaloupka McRae and husband, Kelly; step-children, Gary Glenewinkel, Jr. and Myke Gregg and husband, Guy; brother, Dennis and wife, Pat; grandchildren, Maggie Chaloupka, Elizabeth McRae, Ryan McRae, Gary “Trey” Glenewinkel, III, Trevor Gregg; best friend, Keith Emmerson; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Larry was preceded in death by his parents, Henry and Edna Chaloupka.

Serving as Pallbearers are Gary Glenewinkel, Jr., Gary Glenewinkel III (Trey), Larry Chaloupka, Jr,. Kelly McRae, Ryan McRae, Guy Gregg, Trevor Gregg, and Phillip May.

Honorary Bearers are Dennis Chaloupka, George Shields, Frank Street, Jim Folks, Tims Edwards, Marty Yale, Robert Riza, and Bobby Zwahr.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the First Baptist Church Commerce Senior Adult Ministry, 1401 Washington St., Commerce, TX 75428.

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