Andrew A. Hlavenka

Andrew A. Hlavenka, age 91, of West, passed away early Thursday morning, December 18, 2014 at the Waco VA Hospital. A rosary will be recited and Mass of Christian Burial celebrated 2:00 p.m. Saturday, December 20, 2014 at St. Martin's Catholic Church in Tours, with Msgr. Isidore Rozycki as celebrant. Military Graveside Rites will follow at St. Mary's Cemetery near West, conducted by the West Veterans Honor Guard. The family will receive visitors from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Friday at Aderhold Funeral Home. Andrew was born November 29, 1923 in Hoen, the son of Anton "Butch" and Mary (Vrba) Hlavenka. He attended school in Tours. Andrew served his country with the United States Navy during World War II aboard the USS New Jersey. On November 8, 1948 he was united in marriage to Martha Dudik in Penelope. Andrew was a production supervisor for Lofland Steel Company in Waxahachie and Dallas until his retirement in 1978. He was a member of St. Mary's Catholic Church of the Assumption. He was also a member of the VFW Post #4819, Catholic Life Association and KJT Society #60 in Tours. Andrew enjoyed playing dominoes, working crossword puzzles, fishing, picking pecans, playing the harmonica and accordion and telling stories. He especially loved visiting with his friends and spending time with his grandchildren and great grandchildren. Andrew is preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Albin Hlavenka, Alphonse Hlavenka, August Hlavenka and Joe Hlavenka; and sisters, Regina Hlavenka, Mary Neckar, Rose Hlavenka and Irene Matus. Survivors include his beloved wife of 66 years, Martha Hlavenka of West; a son, Harry Hlavenka and wife Terry of Houston; a daughter, Dorothy Middleton and husband Lyn of Tours; sisters, Evelyn Barath and Helen Marak and husband Eddie; grandchildren, Rachel George and husband Steve, Sarah McShaffry and husband Jason, Rebecca Patterson and husband Joe, Kayla Sinkule and husband Dwayne, Sherry Kadlacek and husband Ronnie and Ann Miller and husband Jonathan; great grandchildren, Madison, Jacob, Brayden, Branson, Brylie, Cameron, Zachary, Holden, Parker, Easton, Marley, Harper and Londyn; and many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Andrew's grandsons are serving as active pallbearers and the great grandsons as honorary pallbearers. In lieu of flowers, memorial may be made to St. Mary's Catholic Church or to Hillcrest Hospice.