Ernest G. Zahirniak

Ernest G. "Shorty" Zahirniak, age 85, of West, passed away late Friday morning, September 12, 2008 at the Olin E. Teague Veterans Hospital in Temple. A rosary will be recited at 6:00 p.m. Monday at Aderhold Funeral Home Chapel followed by a visitation until 8:00 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 10:00 a.m. Tuesday 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 West V.F.W. Post No. 4819. Ernest was born September 11, 1923 in West, the son of Willie W. and Annie (Cepak) Zahirniak. He attended St. Mary's School and West Elementary School. He served his country with the United States Army during World War II. On August 4, 1952, he was united in marriage to Mona Gerik in Tours. Shorty worked for General Tire and Rubber Co. in Waco for forty years until his retirement in 1983. He was a lifelong member of St. Mary's Catholic Church of the Assumption. He was also a charter member of the West V.F.W. Post No 4819, where he also managed the club for several years; Knights of Columbus Council 2305 and 4th degree; S.P.J.S.T. Lodge #54; and a charter member of the American Legion Post No. 478. Shorty enjoyed playing dominoes, gardening, and taking care of his dogs. He was also a very passionate fan of the Dallas Cowboys, Texas Rangers, Baylor Bears, and West Trojans. He is preceded in death by his parents; a son, Patrick W. Zahirniak; a brother, Joe E. Zahirniak; and a sister, Willie Mae Sulak. Survivors include his beloved wife of fifty-six years, Mona Zahirniak of West; two sons, Ernest Zahirniak Jr. and James "Buck" Zahirniak, both of West; five daughters, Shirley Vrba of West, Paula "PK" Scott and husband Don of Robinson, Darlene Beshear of Clayton, NC, Laurie Boyett and husband Jimmy of Robinson, and Jackie Sinkule and husband Mark of West; a daughter-in-law, Melissa Zahirniak of Crowley; two brothers, Robert Zahirniak and Willie "Pee Wee" Zahirniak, both of West; two sisters, Mary Hessel of Waco and Helen Warner of Ft. Worth; twenty-two grandchildren; one great grandson; his dog, Jimbo; and many nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends. Active pallbearers are Mark Gerik, Aubrey Gerik, Bob Gerik, Mike Gerik, Troy Gerik, Steven Zahirniak, George Fidler, Edward "Zork" Zahirniak, Johnny Hutyra, and Edwin Sulak. Honorary pallbearers are Shorty's Dog "Jimbo", Keith Williams, Al Picha, Jerry Kadlubar, Rudy Rizo, Larry Vrba, the morning coffee group at Ole Czech Bakery, and the West V.F.W. Post No. 4819 members and Ladies Auxiliary. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to West Knight of Columbus Hall Building Fund.