Eugene Knapek

Eugene Knapek, age 63, of West, passed away early Monday morning, November 9, 2015 at Providence Health Center in Waco. A rosary will be recited 6:00 p.m. Thursday at Aderhold Funeral Home Chapel in West, followed by a visitation until 8:00 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 10:30 a.m. Friday, November 13, 2015 at St. Martin's Catholic Church in Tours, with Rev. Michael Ajewole as celebrant. Graveside services will be held 2:00 p.m. Friday at the Old Lebanon Cemetery near Aquilla. Eugene was born September 5, 1952 in Waco, the son of Lottie (Grones) and the late Ben J. Knapek. He attended school in Penelope and was a 1970 graduate of Penelope High School. He received an Associate Degree in Journalism from Hill Junior College in Hillsboro. On October 11, 1997 he was united in marriage to Cindy Bessire in Tours. Eugene was the building supervisor for the First United Methodist Church in Waco since 2010. He previously worked for Waco Glass and Mirror, Fashion Glass and Mirror in DeSoto and was the owner of Knapek Services, Inc. He was a member of St. Martin's Catholic Church in Tours, where he participated in fundraisers, lit the Easter Vigil "fire" each year and volunteered at Tours Hall. Eugene was also a 60 year member of the KJT Society in Penelope. He enjoyed drag racing, hunting and all sports. He was an avid fan of NASCAR, especially his favorite drivers, Dale Earnhardt Sr. and Jr. Above all else, Eugene was a Godly man, who loved his family. He will be dearly missed and always remembered as a loving husband, father, son and brother. Survivors include his beloved wife of 18 years, Cindy Knapek; a son, Scott Knapek; a daughter, Paige Knapek; all of West; his mother, Lottie Knapek; a brother, Larry Knapek; sisters-in-law, Carol Riggs, Linda Tumillo and husband Pete, Michele Connell and husband Derek and Kim Hawkins; brother-in-law, Keith Thomas; step mother-in-law, Barbara Bessire; and many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Pallbearers are Scott Knapek, Paige Knapek, Larry Knapek, Thomas Riggs, Christopher Riggs and Steve Vanek. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Texas Christian Academy Scholarship Fund, 4600 Sanger Avenue, Waco, TX 76710.