Ben Matusek

Ben "PePa" Matusek, age 92, of West, passed away early Friday morning, April 30, 2021 at West Rest Haven in West. A rosary will be recited 6:00 p.m. Tuesday at Aderhold Funeral Home Chapel in West, followed by visitation until 8:00 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, May 5, 2021 at St. Mary's Catholic Church of the Assumption in West, with Rev. Timothy Vaverek as celebrant. Military Graveside Rites will follow at St. Mary's Cemetery in West, conducted by West Veterans Honor Guard. Limited capacity, facial masks, and social distancing are encouraged at all services. Ben was born November 12, 1928 in El Campo, the son of Frank and Lucy (Opella) Matusek. He received his education at the Old Sweet Home School. On October 3, 1950 he was united in marriage to Albina Kral in West. Ben proudly served his country in the United States Air Force. While stationed in Ft. Worth, he and his wife were able to travel around the world to such places as Okinawa, Guam, Labrador, and Hawaii for the next 20 years until his retirement. After his military career, he worked as a mail handler for the Waco Post Office for over 20 years until retired there in 1990. Ben enjoyed fishing, hunting, taking care of his animals, drinking a pivo, listening to country and Czech music, and dancing. He loved spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren and his great grandchildren. Ben was a member of St. Mary's Catholic Church of the Assumption in West. He was also a member of VFW Post #4819, American Legion Post #478, and SPJST Lodge #54. Ben is preceded in death by his parents and his grandson, Shane Matusek. Survivors include his beloved wife of 70 years, Albina Matusek of West; two daughters, Sherry Cockrell and Judy Seehar, both of West; two brothers, Frank Matusek and Darwin Matusek and wife Gail; four grandchildren, Tabitha Mundahl and husband Chris, Tiffany Kapavik, Lori Thompson and husband David, and Colton Bohannan; great grandchildren, Braxston, Chandler, Abrielle, Hadleigh, Greyson, Mason, Reagan, Levi, Madeline, Jensen, Gaius, and Ian; and many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Active pallbearers are Chris Mundahl, Braxston Mundahl, Bill Lott, Colton Bohannan, Frank Matusek Jr., and Jeff Martin. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to a college fund for the great grandchildren.