"Jay Pittman I started working under Henry?s supervision when I was seventeen. There was no finer man or teacher that I have had the privilege of working with and I have known some good ones. I only found out this morning about Henry?s passing. He was a great family man and was always so proud of y?all. I can?t make it today but my prayers are with all of you. He was a gentle giant to me. Jay Pittman, Dale, Texas."
In loving memory of
Henry George Barta
October 7, 1933 - September 10, 2020
Henry George Barta, of Austin, TX passed away Thursday, September 10, 2020 at the age of 86 with his family by his side. Henry was born October 7, 1933, in Charlotte, TX, and was the son of Anton Barta and Rosie (Cernoch) Barta; where he grew up working on their family's farm.
Henry met the love of his life, Ethelene Schrank, in 1953 and they were engaged within the next year. In 1954, Henry was drafted into the United States Army where he served in New York City as an ambulance driver until his honorable discharge in 1956. Henry married the love of his life and best friend, Ethelene Schrank, on June 2, 1956, and they remained at each other's side for the next 64 years while raising a family and living an incredible, loving life.
After his discharge from the Army, Henry worked for Norman L. Larson/Larson & Pugh doing bridge/road construction for over 40 years and retired in 1995.
In 1973, Henry and Ethelene moved their family to south Austin, where they have lived for 47 years. Henry remodeled and added on to their home all by himself with only Ethelene's help. Henry was so talented and could build or fix absolutely anything.
Henry and Ethelene raised three children. They have six grandchildren, and five great grandchildren. Family meant everything to Henry. Henry and Ethelene were always present for all their children's, grandchildren's, and great grand children's activities and sporting events. In his retirement years he enjoyed having coffee with his "coffee buddies, and his best friend Rodney (Gordy) Baker," at Jim's.
Henry is survived by his wife, Ethelene (Schrank) Barta; and their children, Jeanne (Scottie) Pendergrass; Karen Porter; Michael (Nancy) Barta. Their grandchildren, Adam (Shara), Eric (Melissa), Tyler (Harmony), Kelli (Andrew), Shay, and Alan; their great grandchildren, Emily, Liliana, Easton, Amber and Zella; numerous nieces and nephews, as well as his sister Elizabeth Fields of Houston, TX.
Visitation will be held on Tuesday, September 15, 2020, from 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. (Rosary beginning at 7:00 p.m.) Harrell Funeral Home, 4435 Frontier Trail, Austin, TX 78745.
Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, September 16, 2020, at 10:00 a.m. at Harrell Funeral Home. Graveside services immediately following at Assumption Cemetery, 3650 S. IH 35 Frontage Rd, Austin, TX 78704
Tributes
"Mrs. Barta; Sorry to hear of your loss. Mr. Barta was a great man and I enjoyed ya\'ll friendship. My prayers go out to you and the Family. Love you all Shelly LaBonte Butgereit Salisbury, NC"
"The best man there ever was. He was my grandpa but growing up he was more of a dad figure for me. He was always just there, never missed anything and was a big part of all our lives more than he even knew. He is the perfect example of how to be the best husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather and man in general. Life won\'t be the same without him but he did leave so many great memories for us. Love you and miss you so much Grandpa. "
"I love Grandpa so very much! He may not have been my Grandpa by blood, but he was my Grandpa by love for 18 years. One happy memory I have is when we were all getting ready for a wedding & I asked Adam if I looked ok. Grandpa turned & looked at me & said, ?You look beautiful.? I smile when I remember that. Love you Grandpa.?"