On May 25, 2026, Robert Leon Slovak - a master carpenter whose craftsmanship, precision, and pride ensured he never met a standard he couldn't raise - laid down his tools for the last time, surrounded by his family in the home that he and his wife built.

Born on October 23, 1942, to Joseph E. Slovak and Janie A. (Nekuza) Slovak of Bardwell, TX, Robert grew up learning the value of hard work, helping his parents pick cotton, farm the land, and work cattle on the homestead his grandparents settled when they emigrated from Czechoslovakia. His father and uncle taught him the carpenter's trade that would become his life's work and carry him through a long and successful career, while his mother shaped his character with a framework of uncompromising principles he applied to everything he did.

After graduating from St. John's High School, Robert joined the United States Army and was stationed in Fort Polk, Louisiana, during the Vietnam Era. He was in the Military Police and served his country with pride.

Returning home from his service, Robert met Merrijo Gleason from Hico, Texas, who was working in Ennis as a schoolteacher. He sold his horse to buy her a ring, and they were soon married. This August would have marked 58 years, and though he did confess to missing the horse, it seems he remained happy with the trade.

In 1970 Robert started Slovak Construction, which continues business to this day. He took immense pride in building quality custom homes in the Ennis, Dallas, and Lake Richland Chambers areas. Exactingly detailed in his carpentry work, he made sure every home was built to the highest standards. Robert and his wife Merrijo also owned and operated The Sports Connection and Ennis Gym for over 20 years. Having built his family home on the same farm he grew up on, he tended to the crops, the cattle, and the land itself with diligence - the only way he knew how.

Robert loved to work, always keeping himself busy and productive; but he also made time for his other enjoyments, such as deer hunting with friends and family and attending dances with his wife. His Czech heritage was a cornerstone of who he was; he loved polka music and pivo, and he took his family on multiple trips to the Czech Republic over the years to experience their roots firsthand. He was a member of the K.C., K.J.T., S.P.J.S.T., and St.John Nepomucene Catholic Church.

Robert is survived by his wife, Merrijo Slovak; son, Joseph Slovak and wife Angela of Plano, Texas; son, John Slovak and wife Wendy of Ennis, Texas; daughter, Rebecca Slovak of Ennis, Texas; and daughter, Allison Slovak of Ennis, Texas; grandchildren, Zachary, Vivian, Jacob, Matthew, Charley and Robbie; as well as sisters, Mary Jane Odlozil and Joyce Slovak of Ennis, Texas, numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

He is preceded in death by his parents, sister, Anna Lee Toth, sister, Patsy Odlozil, and grandson, Tyler Slovak.

Robert leaves behind a legacy of love, tradition, and achievement, and he will be deeply missed.

In lieu of flowers, those wishing to honor Robert's memory are invited to make a donation to the Texas Czech Heritage and Cultural Center in La Grange, Texas.

Visitation will be held on Sunday, May 31, 2026, from 3 p.m. until 5 p.m. in the J.E. Keever Mortuary of Ennis with Rosary at 4 p.m.

Mass of the Christian Burial will be held on Monday, June 1, 2026, at 10 a.m. in St. John Nepomucene Catholic Church of Ennis. Interment will follow in St. Joseph Cemetery under the direction of J.E. Keever Mortuary, Inc.