Merlene Kouba

Merlene Wilde Kouba of Bryan, Texas passed away on Monday, September 13, 2021, at the age of 81. A Celebration of Life Mass will be held on Wednesday, September 22, 2021, at 10:00 a.m. at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church in College Station, Texas. Columbarium internment will be held on Saturday, November 13, 2021, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Ambrose Parish Cemetery in Wall, Texas. Callaway-Jones Funeral & Cremation Centers in Bryan, Texas is responsible for services.
Merlene was born to R. B. and Alice Strube Wilde in San Angelo, Texas on May 27, 1940. She attended Wall Public Schools and graduated in 1958. After high school, Merlene earned her bachelor’s degree from The University of Texas. While at University, she met and married her husband, Joseph. They remained happily married for 60 years and 8 months and were blessed with three children, Darrell, Tammy, and Eric. In addition to rearing her children, Merlene was employed by the State Department of Transportation in Austin. After retiring to Horseshoe Bay in 1995, Merlene maintained an active life that included golf with her many friends, spending summers on Lake LBJ and HSB’s many venues with children and grandchildren, and participating in the many social activities offered in HSB. Years later, Merlene and Joseph moved to Sun City where she remained active in golf until being diagnosed with Parkinson’s. That diagnosis required a move to Bryan to be nearer to family. Merlene’s family is grateful for the care provided to her by medical staff at Baylor Scott and White, nursing and caregiver staff at Isle at Watercrest and staff from Hospice Brazos Valley.
Merlene is survived by her husband, Joseph; son, Darrell Kouba of Rockne, Texas; daughter, Tammy Faust and husband Bruce of Snook, Texas; and son, Eric Kouba of Fair Oaks Ranch, Texas; granddaughter, Mandy Piowaty and husband John of Spain; granddaughter, Tiffany Prewitt and husband Charles of Willis, Texas; granddaughter, Rebecca Reading and fiancé Stephen Sutter of Woodbury Heights, New Jersey; grandson, Jake Reading and Candice Scott of Austin, Texas; granddaughter, Mary Kate Sebesta and husband Joseph of Snook, Texas; granddaughter, Anna Faust and fiancé Shawn Scott of Bryan Texas; and granddaughter, Emma Faust of Snook, Texas; and great grandchildren, Charlie, Aiden, Quinn, Henry, Gus, Michael and Riggins.
Merlene is also survived by brothers Floyd, Leroy, Olen and Wilfred and sisters, Lorene, Sara, Betty and Cathy and numerous nephews and nieces.