Gary Buck Kalinowski

Gary, Buck Kalinowski made his trailride to Heaven on April 16, 2025.

Buck was born on March 6, 1947 in Wharton, Texas to his parents, Ignac, Ike Kalinowski and Hilda Anna Schwettmann Kalinowski.

Buck proudly served his country in the United State Army and was in Viet Nam for a year in the 1960”s. After his service he worked in the investigative division of Retail Credit Association, now Equifax, before embarking on his career as an insurance salesman and investment broker for American General Insurance and then as an independent agent and broker. He retired in 2024 as his health limited is physical activity.

He married Sharon Allen Kalinowski on August 18, 1973 in Elton, Louisiana and they made their home in the Westbury area of Houston for over 45 years.

Now where do we go from here? Buck’s life was a series of repeating events, from Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo committee member on multiple committees and figuring out a way to stay on site twenty five plus consecutive days either in a police officer’s motor home or renting a motel room across the street from the Astrodome. He was not going to miss a beat.

The Independence Trail Ride from Altair to San Antonio - over a week of non stop riding and debauchere - can we say burning the candle at both ends? and winning the unofficial happiest, most partying rider and undoubtedly having and initiating the most fun - for himself and for all the others.

Golfing at Fort Bend Country Club and other courses with his golf buddies - and of course afterwords the usual dominoes til you drop - and maybe an occasional Coors Light or scotch.

And do we dare leave out We Ski River at Neal & Carol’s on the San Bernard River - where his skiing was magically entertaining to say the least and being the Pitmaster - none of us would have survived without his famous pork spare ribs or steaks for all.

Could anyone have made Buck laugh and enjoy life more than he did? He sure knew how to do both, and along the way he made it more fun for all around him.

Buck lived to enjoy life for himself and others and one way he did it was to be helpful to as many people as possible. He was always the first to volunteer to help someone in need no matter how small or how large the problem. Even if he didn’t have the means he would volunteer and then figure out a way to get it done-even if it meant getting others to help. That was one of Buck’s greatest joys in life - How can I help someone in need.

He is survived by his wife, Sharon and his brothers, C.D. and Corlis, Neal

and his wife, Carol, and sisters-in law Pat, Mary, and Kim. He is also survived by his nephews, Tim and his wife, Sue, Aaron and his wife, Connie, Justin and Lee, and his great nephews and nieces: Cody and his wife, Janna, Walker, Jodi and Rylan.

Visitation at 10 am and a memorial service to follow at 11 am to be held on Friday, May 2, 2025 all at St. Paul’s Presbyterian Church, 9122 Church Street in Needville, Texas. Donations may be made to your choice or Wounded Warriors.