Al Soukup

Alfons "Al" Soukup, age 92, of Waco, passed away early Saturday evening, April 29, 2023 at Providence Hospice Place in Waco.

A rosary will be recited 6:00 p.m. Wednesday at Aderhold Funeral Home Chapel, followed by visitation until 8:00 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 11:00 a.m. Thursday, May 4, 2023 at St. Mary's Catholic Church of the Assumption in West, with Rev. Ed Karasek as celebrant. Military Graveside Rites will follow at St. Mary's Cemetery, conducted by West Veterans Honor Guard.

Al was born January 20, 1931 in the Tokio community near West, the son of Joe and Mary (Kracmer) Soukup. He attended St. Mary's School in West, Abbott High School, Baylor University and 4-C College. On September 25, 1954 he was united in marriage to Georgie Hrabal in Waco. She preceded him in death on January 21, 2023. Al proudly served his country in the United States Army during the Korean War, serving in Germany and Colorado where he attended Cold Weather Survivor School and climbed Pikes Peak. Honorably discharged in 1953 at the rank of Master Sergeant, he enlisted with the U.S. Army Reserve, Aviation Engineer Company in Waco, for a total of 28 years of service. Al was a longtime member of St. Louis Catholic Church in Waco. He was also a member of American Legion Post #478; was very active with the SPJST Lodge #6 in Cottonwood, where he served as past president and director of the lodge food booth at Westfest. KJT Society #31 awarded Al a 75 year membership pin. Al was chairman and treasurer of the Soukup and Hrabal family reunion for many years. He was patriarch of the Soukup family deer sausage recipe for several decades and is still ongoing today. Al could fix anything and was willing to help anyone. He was the family strongman and was his mother's hero when it came to tough times on the farm. He worked for the Texas Highway Department in Waco for 37 years. Al enjoyed deer hunting, fishing, gardening, working in his yard, mowing, dancing, playing dominoes, playing taroky and listening to Czech music. He loved spending time with his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren, especially attending all their sporting events.

Al is also preceded in death by his parents; son, Richard Soukup Sr.; brothers, Louis J., George, Johnnie B., and Joe Soukup Sr.; and sisters, Katie Kaska, Hattie Kaska, and Rosie Knapek.

Survivors include his daughter, Beverly Williams of Waco; grandchildren, Ricky Soukup Jr. and wife Brittney, Jake Williams and wife Lindsey, and Tye Williams and wife Lera; great grandchildren, Alivia, Brynn, Tori, Grady and Claire; brother, Steve Soukup and wife Frances; sisters, Mary Neckar and Lillie Matus and husband Raymond; and many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Active pallbearers are Rick Peevey, Aaron Wernet, Don Holy, Buddy Kaska, Allen Soukup, and Joe Williams. Honorary pallbearers are Mark Kocian, Jim Lewis, Mike Soukup, Steve Soukup, Tim Soukup, and Terry Soukup.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Mary's Cemetery Association.