Bruce Malaer

Bruce Harris Malaer, age 90, of Abbott, passed away early Thursday morning, October 9, 2014 at his residence. A rosary will be recited 6:00 p.m. Friday at the Aderhold Funeral Home Chapel in West, with visitation to follow until 8:00 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 11:00 a.m. Saturday at St. Mary's Catholic Church of the Assumption in West, with Rev. Tom Frank as celebrant. Burial will follow at St. Mary's Cemetery. Mr. Malaer was born February 22, 1924 in Caldwell County, the son of Thomas Lee and Lula (Harris) Malaer. Bruce served his country with the United States Air Force during World War II. He was recently featured in the Waco Tribune's "Voices of Valor" honoring our men and women in uniform. On March 21, 1948 he was united in marriage to Frances Zapalac in Abbott. She preceded him in death on August 7, 2000. Bruce worked for Exxon Pipeline Company as a corrosion technician for 35 years until he retired in 1979. They moved to Abbott in 1983 to care for his wife's parents. Bruce served as a Councilman in Abbott and was active in the Abbott Community Improvement Organization and with the Abbott Volunteer Fire Department. Bruce loved deer hunting, ranching, and was devoted to his cats, especially Smokey and Portia. Bruce is also preceded in death by his parents; and two brothers, Leon and Melba Ray Malaer. Survivors include a son, John Malaer and wife Angela of Houston; a daughter Linda Bole and husband Mike of Abbott; 6 grandchildren, Matt Bole, Julie Vaello and husband Ben, Jennifer Thompson and husband Tommy, Kristin Malaer, Justin Malaer and Preston Malaer; 2 great grandchildren, Thomas and Luke; and several other relatives and friends. Pallbearers are Justin Malaer, Matt Bole, Gilbert Thomas, Terry Kramolis, Timmy Kramolis, Patrick Bole and Andrew Petter. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Abbott Community Improvement Organization, P.O. Box 77, Abbott, Texas 76621 or to Abbott Volunteer Fire Department, P.O. Box 24, Abbott, Texas 76621.