Johnny Zatopek

Johnny Zatopek, age 82, of Abbott, passed away late Friday afternoon, January 29, 2010 at Providence Health Center in Waco. A rosary will be recited and Mass of Christian Burial celebrated 10:00 a.m. Tuesday at the Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church in Abbott, with Rev. Stephen Nesrsta and Rev. B. George as celebrants. Burial will follow at Fatima Cemetery. The family will receive visitors from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Monday at the funeral home. Mr. Zatopek was born August 22, 1927 near Abbott, the son of John and Mary (Bezdek) Zatopek. He attended Abbott schools and graduated from Abbott High School in 1946. He then attended Southern Methodist University in Dallas where he played basketball for the Mustangs before graduating in 1949. On October 6, 1951, he was united in marriage to June Walker in Abbott. She preceded him in death on September 7, 1984. Johnny coached basketball for the West Independent School District for seven years and led them to their first district title in 1953. He then became a division manager for the Sears Department Store in Waco working there for 35 years before retiring in 1991. Johnny served on the Abbott School Board for over ten years and was a past board president. He was a longtime member of Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church. Johnny enjoyed fishing, playing tennis, poker, bicycling, and exercising. He especially loved spending time with his family. He is also preceded in death by his parents and a sister, Mary Skerik. Survivors include four sons, John Michael Zatopek and wife Elizabeth of Mansfield, Patrick Zatopek of Abbott, Mark Zatopek and wife Cheryl of Speegleville, and Thomas Zatopek and wife Cindy of Weatherford; three daughters, Susan McGehee and husband Charles of Mosheim, Brenda Rosenberg and husband Murray of The Woodlands, and Gail Zatopek and fianc Quintin Guinn of Hewitt; a sister, Lillian Chudej of West; nine grandchildren, Michael Zatopek and wife Jennifer; Karen Zatopek, Zachary McGehee, Meghan McGehee, Natalie Gaskamp, Mark C. Zatopek, Courtney Zatopek, Joshua Rosenberg, and Katie Rosenberg; and many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Pallbearers are John Michael Zatopek, Patrick Zatopek, Mark Zatopek, Thomas Zatopek, Michael Zatopek, Zachary McGehee, Mark C. Zatopek, and Joshua Rosenberg. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to West Volunteer Ambulance Association.