February 23, 1929 – November 7, 2024

Heaven gained a little brightness today with the passing of Carl Joseph Horecky Jr., 95, of Friendswood, Texas. Born on February 23, 1929, in Chicago to Mildred (née Whitehead) and Carl Joseph Horecky, Carl was a child of the Great Depression who rose to become a towering figure in American industry. He was preceded in death by his twin sister, Beverley Jackson; his daughter, Gayle Wonder; and his grandson, Trevor Wonder. Survived by his younger brother Earl W. Horecky.

Carl began his career at the bottom humbly, digging ditches for Standard Oil of Indiana (later Amoco) in 1947. But his drive, resilience, and sharp mind propelled him upward, ultimately earning him the title of CatCracker Coordinator for Amoco, responsible for FCC (Fluid Catalytic Cracking) units worldwide. Carl’s career spanned groundbreaking achievements, including 12 patents that reshaped oil refining and reducing CO₂ emissions. His contributions earned him the Kirkpatrick Award for chemical engineering in 1975. Carl’s professional legacy is one of both ingenuity and lasting global impact.  He served 20 years of with Galveston County Consolidated Drainage District until his retirement in 2018.

In 1949, Carl married the love of his life, Henrietta “Hank” Proby, and together they celebrated 75 years of marriage in 2024. Carl and Henrietta raised six children—Jay Horecky (JoAnn), *Gayle Wonder, Laura Peterson (Cliff), Carl M. Horecky (Grace), Ruth Beaumont (John), and Rebecca Stout—along with eight grandchildren—*Trevor Wonder, Charlie Wonder, Chad Wonder, Nathan Peterson, Melissa Schneider, C.J. Horecky, Sierra Smith, and Emma Wells—and seven great-grandchildren, with more generations on the way.

 Carl was known not only for his work but for his generous spirit and dedication to family. He was known as “Mr. Fix-It” in his neighborhood. A devoted member of Friendswood Friends Church, he believed he was called by God to help lead the construction of its sanctuary and give back to his community by seeing the project to completion. Carl’s children and grandchildren remember him as a playful “Papa,” always ready with boy scout songs and stories, and as a steadfast provider who instilled in them a “can-do” spirit.

Carl lived by the creed, “work as for the Lord, not for human masters,” dedicating his efforts to a higher purpose. His legacy is one of integrity, creativity, and an unshakable love for God, his family, and his work. In his honor, donations can be made to the American Friends Service Committee at https://afsc.org, continuing Carl’s spirit of service and dedication to community.

 **Carl Horecky**—an innovator, family man, and true pioneer in American industry, whose legacy lives on in the family he cherished and the work he loved.

Friends and family are cordially invited to the visitation with the family on Saturday, November 16, 2024, at 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM followed by the funeral service at 11:00 AM at Friendswood Friends Church, 502 South Friendswood Dr. Friendswood, Texas 77546.  A private interment immediately following the service at Friendswood Friends Cemetery.

Condolences may be sent to the family in care of Jeter Funeral Home https://jeterfuneralhome.com.