Julius Novak

Sonny Novak passed away peacefully in his home on March 22, 2018 in Spring, Texas, after 83 years. He leaves behind a meaningful legacy as a devoted husband, beloved father, grandfather, loyal friend, and successful coach and administrator. Sonny touched the lives of many young men and women in his 44 years of teaching and coaching. He instilled in his family the value of integrity, strong work ethic, honor, excellence and making a difference through his quiet, loving actions. He was humble, sweet, and kind. He was a good man to know; he is a great man to remember. He was born in La Grange, Texas, (12/25/1934), the only child of Julius C. Novak and Lillian Machac Novak. He was raised in Praha and Schulenburg, Texas. Upon graduation from Schulenburg High School, he attended and graduated from the University of Texas at Austin with a Bachelor of Science and a Master's Degree in Education. His professional career began at Navasota High School where he taught math and served as football coach and head track coach. Later, Sonny moved his family to Beaumont, Texas and served as Athletic Director and head football coach for 11 years at Monsignor Kelly High School. Sonny served as the head football coach and Athletic coordinator for 7 years at Sidney Lanier High School in Austin, Texas. In 1979, Sonny accepted the position of head football coach and Athletic Coordinator and opened the new Klein Forest High School. Three years later, Sonny joined Athletic Director, Allen Boren, as his Associate Athletic Director and later served as Athletic Director for Klein ISD until he retired in 2003. Sonny served as President of Texas Catholic Interscholastic League for three years while at Beaumont Kelly. He was also an active member of the High School Coaches Association, and National Interscholastic Athletic Administrative Association in which he served as President in 1994. Sonny was also Texas Athletic Director of the Year from 1993-1994.He was inducted into the Hall of Honor of the Texas High School Athletic Director's Association in 1998. His greatest joy came from his marriage, in 1962, to Dorothy Short from Schulenburg, Texas, who became his loving wife and soul mate of 55 years. Sonny and Dorothy have two married children, daughter Rebecca and son-in-law, Richard Obermayer of Grosse Ile, Michigan and son, Buddy and daughter-in-law Delona Hill Novak of Spring, Texas. They are also the proud grand parents of Myles Hayden Novak, Alexandra Julia Obermayer, Austin Richard Obermayer, and Holly Anne Novak. Many thanks to the exceptional team of medical doctors who added quality of life through their compassionate care. The family also wishes to extend thanks to all of the amazing caregivers at Vitas Hospice Care. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Klein Athletic Department, 16607 Stuebner Airline, Klein, Texas 77379 in honor of Sonny Novak. A Celebration of Life is planned for April 14, 2018 at Addison Funeral Home, 18630 Kuykendahl Road, Spring, Texas, at 2:00 p.m. A gathering of friends and family will follow immediately at the KISD Athletic Building located at 16607 Stuebner Airline, Klein, Texas in the Boren, Novak and Young building.