Eugene A. Gerlich

Eugene "Gene" Gerlich, age 83, of Arlington, formerly of Waco, passed away early Sunday morning, November 3, 2013 at his residence. A rosary will be recited and Mass of Christian Burial celebrated 3:00 p.m. Thursday at St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Elk, with Msgr. Isidore Rozycki and Rev. Michael Ajewole as celebrants. Burial will follow at St. Joseph's Cemetery. The family will receive visitors from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Wednesday at Aderhold Funeral Home in West. Gene was born April 25, 1930 in Kemp, the son of Eugene A. and Sophie (Tichavsky) Gerlich. He attended the Leggott School and was a 1948 graduate of West High School. He served his country with the United States Army during the Korean War. On January 20, 1953 he was united in marriage to Dorothy Pechacek in Elk. Gene worked for the William Cameron Company prior to joining the General Tire and Rubber Company where he served as purchasing agent for over 30 years before retiring in 1987. Gene was a former member of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Bellmead for over 40 years, serving on the parish council and as a reader. He was presently a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Arlington. He served as the Mayor of Northcrest in the 1960's and was a Reicher School Board member. Gene enjoyed dancing, working on cars, doing yard work and keeping up with the Cowboys, Rangers, and Baylor Bears. He especially loved spending time with his family. Eugene is preceded in death by his parents; a daughter, Donna Culliton; and a brother, Vernon Gerlich. Survivors include his beloved wife of 60 years, Dorothy Gerlich of Arlington; a daughter Kay Weeks and husband Tom of Arlington; a son-in-law, Tim Culliton of Arlington; a sister, Albina Macha; a sister-in-law, Frances Gerlich; six grandchildren, Natalie Doland and husband Tony, Nick Culliton, Kimberly Culliton, Katie Weeks, Gena Weeks, and Tommy Weeks; three great grandchildren, Jude, Lilly and Elizabeth Doland; and many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Pallbearers are Richard Skopik, Peter Gerlich, Raymond Tichavsky, Michael Bezdek, Harry Tichavsky and Gene Petross. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Joseph's Catholic School in Arlington or to the West Volunteer Fire Department.