Dennis J. Pavlas

Dennis J. Pavlas, age 59, of West, passed away late Friday night, July 28, 2017 from injuries sustained in a senseless act of violence near Abbott. A rosary will be recited 6:00 p.m. Thursday at St. Mary's Catholic Church of the Assumption, followed by visitation until 8:00 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 10:00 a.m. Friday, August 4, 2017 at St. Mary's Catholic Church of the Assumption in West, with Rev. Steven Nesrsta as celebrant. Burial will follow at St. Mary's Cemetery. Dennis was born September 8, 1957 in Waco, the son of Charlie and Lillie (Svrcek) Pavlas in Waco. He attended schools in Abbott and was a 1976 graduate of Abbott High School. Dennis then attended Hill Junior College and received his Bachelor's Degree in Accounting from Texas A&M University in 1980. On October 1, 1983, he was united in marriage to Michele Picha in West. Dennis worked for the state for over 30 years. He retired from The University of North Texas Health Science Center and was currently working as a water supervisor for Buster Russell Construction. Dennis was a member of St. Mary's Catholic Church of the Assumption. His greatest joy was watching his girls play softball. He also loved to fish and was an avid sports fan. Dennis is preceded in death by his father, Charlie Pavlas; a brother, Larry Pavlas; an infant sister; and his mother-in-law, Patsy Picha. Survivors include his beloved wife of 33 years, Michele Pavlas of West; daughters, Breanna Watson and husband Justin of Cleburne, Cassie Pavlas of West and Brittney Duffy and husband Michael of Houston; grandchildren, Jack and Ivy Duffy; his mother, Lil Pavlas; father-in-law, Al Picha; brothers, Michael Pavlas and wife Stephanie and Louis Pavlas and wife Sherry; sisters-in-law, Sharon Russell and husband Buster and Jenene Gueringer and husband Billy; brothers-in-law, Richard Picha, Greg Picha and wife Karen and Darrell Picha; his fur babies, Corbin and Buddy; and many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.