Bill Polk, Jr.

William "Bill" Polk, age 85, of Harlingen, passed away late Saturday morning, May 2, 2020 at Harlingen Medical Center. A memorial visitation will be held Friday May 15, 2020 from 3:oo p.m. to 5:oo p.m. at Aderhold Funeral Chapel in West. Bill was born November 21, 1934 in San Angelo, the son of William and Bonnie (Black) Polk. He graduated from Lubbock High School and attended Texas Tech in Lubbock where he studied to become a chef. Bill proudly served his country in the United States Marines. Bill enjoyed cooking, traveling, classical music, visiting with all of his Czech family and friends, and was always ready for "Happy Hour". He was a devoted hard worker and was very proud of all of his accomplishments over the years in opening up the Czech Stop and Little Czech Bakery in West which is known as a famous stop for all of the I-35 corridor. Bill was very proud of his workers and cared about his Czech Stop family. He was a member of Waco Shriners, West Kiwanis, Waco Masonic Lodge #92, Waco Symphony, and the Retail Bakers Association. He was a big part of helping to start the first Westfest and starting a scholarship fund at Texas Tech. Bill is also preceded in death by his parents, and a brother, Glen Polk. Survivors include his children, Mike Lee Polk of Tokio and Marissa Polk of Waco; his nieces, Shelly and Melinda; his Czech Stop Family; and many other relatives and friends. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to West Fire Department, West Ambulance Association, or charity of choice.