Clarence Hlavaty

Clarence J. "C.J." Hlavaty, age 84, of West, passed away late Saturday night, September 1, 2012 at Providence Health Center in Waco. A rosary will be recited 6:00 p.m. Tuesday at Aderhold Funeral Home Chapel, with visitation to follow until 8:00 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 10:00 a.m. Wednesday at St. Mary's Catholic Church of the Assumption, with Rev. Ed Karasek as celebrant. Military Graveside Rites will follow at St. Mary's Cemetery, conducted by the West Veterans Honor Guard. C.J. was born November 24, 1927, the son of James A. "Jim" and Tracie (Maneth) Hlavaty. He attended Denton Hill School and graduated from West High School in 1945. On April 12, 1950 he was united in marriage to Martha Kudelka in West. C.J. served his country in the United States Navy and Air Force for over 20 years, retiring at the rank of Master Sargeant. He then went to work for the Waco Veteran's Administration Regional Office until his retirement in 1988. He enjoyed water skiing, traveling, dancing, and working as a Westfest volunteer. C.J. was a member of St. Mary's Catholic Church of the Assumption. He was also a life member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post #4819, American Legion Post #478, Air Force Sergeant's Association, and the Knights of Columbus Council #2305 4th Degree. Survivors include his beloved wife of 62 years, Martha Hlavaty of West; three sisters, Clarine Blahuta of West, Anna Jo Chudej of Waco, and Tracy Kidd and husband Bill of Las Vegas, NV; six nephews, David Blaschke, Dennis Blaschke, Doug Blaschke, Allan Blahuta, Kevin Chudej, and Greg Chudej; three nieces, Donna Blaschke Grant, Beth Roberts, and Sandee Jones; and many other relatives and friends. Active pallbearers are David Blaschke, Dennis Blaschke, Doug Blaschke, Bill Kidd, Ray Roberts, Derek Baker and Maj. Mark Grahmann. Honorary pallbearers are past and present members of the West Veterans of Foreign Wars Post #4819. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Mary's Church or St. Mary's School Endowment Fund.