Charles Blahuta

Charles "Charlie" Blahuta, Jr., age 74, of West, passed away Monday morning, January 9, 2006 at a Waco nursing home. Graveside services will be held 2:00 p.m. Wednesday at St. Mary's Cemetery near West, with Rev. Vincent Chacko, I.M.S. officiating. Military Honors will follow conducted by West V.F.W. Post 4819. The family will receive visitors from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral home. Charlie was born May 29, 1931 in West, the son of Charles and Louise (Picha) Blahuta, Sr. He attended St. Mary's school and graduated from West High School before attending 4C Business College in Waco. While serving his country with the Unites States Marine Corp, Fox Company, during the Korean Conflict, he was wounded and received a Purple Heart. Charlie worked for the City of West in the waste maintenance department for 15 years before retiring in 1990. He was a lifelong member of St. Mary's Catholic Church of the Assumption. He was also a member of the V.F.W. Post #4819, S.P.J.S.T. Lodge #66, and the Czech Heritage Society. Charlie loved to play dominoes and care for and feed all his animals. He also enjoyed sitting on the corner of Oak & Main Streets so he could visit with the tourists, telling them about the history of West. His parents and two brothers, Al Blahuta and George Blahuta, all preceded him in death. Survivors include a daughter, Leesa Swift and her husband Gary of West; a grandson, James Ryan Swift currently stationed at Lakenheath, England; sisters-in-law, Clarine Blahuta of West and Lodema Soukup of Lorena; a niece, Beth Roberts; a nephew, Allan Blahuta; 3 great nephews, Todd Blahuta, Jason Clements, and Jared Clements; a great niece, Brandi Blahuta; and many other relatives and friends. Memorials may be made to the Alzheimer's Association.