When not working on the family farm or at the local cotton gin, Jay Lee, along with his siblings, formed a polka band playing weekends at local dance halls to earn extra money. After graduating from Bellville High School, he attended Blinn College where he played football and judged on the livestock and soil teams. Jay Lee then earned his teaching degree at Sam Houston State University.

His job search led him to the small town of Mason, Texas, where he began a long teaching career. More importantly, it didn’t take long for him to meet the love of his life, Beverly Marek, whom he was married to for 63 years.

Jay Lee is most known as the legendary Hall of Fame Ag Teacher. His passion for his students and his competitive drive led to numerous National and State Championships. The number of students he had the privilege of teaching is difficult to count, but he remembered you all.

Mostly, he remembered what team you were on, what your score at the contest was, how you placed, and even what you missed.

Aside from his job, Jay Lee is known for his commitment and dedication to his family. He is survived by his wife, Beverly Ruth Marek, of Mason, a son Jason Marek and wife Felice of Harper, a daughter Julie Tedder and husband Jay of Mason, four grandchildren; Justyn McAndrews and husband Sean, Jax Tedder, Kelton Marek and Kolby Marek, and also a great-granddaughter Margot Jay McAndrews, a brother-in-law Homer Martin, Jr. and Linda Park of Mason and his stepmother Flora Marek of Industry along with numerous nieces and nephews.

After retiring from teaching, Jay Lee’s new career involved spending time with his grandkids and great-granddaughter. One of his greatest joys was the many romantic atv rides in the pasture, checking cows with Beverly.

Over the past two years, he was also blessed to spend countless hours with his favorite caregivers, Suzan Brown and Sharon Hubble.

These ladies brought him so much joy on the trips to see Beverly.

Those who knew Jay Lee will remember him for his dedication and commitment to education, his faith in Jesus, his chuckle when he finally heard what you said, wearing his blue and tan onesies around town, and his happiness being around others, especially those in the agricultural industry and every former student he ever ran into.

Visitation for Jay Lee Marek will be Friday, February 27, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Mason Funeral Home. The funeral service will be Saturday, February 28, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Mason. Interment will follow at the Hedwig’s Hill Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Marek Scholarship Fund at Mason Bank.

Online condolences may be sent to family at masonfuneralhome. net Arrangements have been entrusted to Mason Funeral Home.