George X. Smajstrla

George X. Smajstrla, age 91 of West, passed away early Monday morning, August 19, 2013 at his residence. A rosary will be recited 6:00 p.m. Wednesday at the Aderhold Funeral Home Chapel in West. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 10:00 a.m. Thursday at St. Mary's Catholic Church of the Assumption, with Msgr. Boli Zientek and Rev. Ed Karasek as celebrants. Burial will follow at St. Mary's Cemetery. George was born February 1, 1922 in Cottonwood, the son of Ed and Annie (Holecek) Smajstrla. He attended schools in Cottonwood prior to graduating from West High School and Tyler Commercial College. George was then appointed by the late Congressman Bob Pogue to the United States Merchant Marines Academy at Kings Point, NY. He served as a Cadet Midshipman in the United States Naval Reserves. He worked for the Federal Aviation Administration as an Aircraft Communicator in various cities in Texas and New Mexico. After the end of WWII and serving for several years, he returned home. On July 15, 1946 he was united in marriage to his high school sweetheart Lillie Marie Pavlas in West. Since 1946, George has been owner of West True Value Hardware, West Food Mart and Ben Franklin. He was a lifetime member of St. Mary's Catholic Church of the Assumption. George was also a member of American Legion Post No. 478, SPJST Lodge No. 6, K.J.T. Society No. 31, and served on the Board of Directors of West Bank & Trust. He enjoyed being a ham radio operator, talking to most countries around the world. He loved working and spending time with his family, especially his grandsons and great grandchildren. George is preceded in death by his parents and a son, George X. Smajstrla Jr. Survivors include his beloved wife of 67 years, Lillie Smajstrla of West; a daughter, Denise Muska of West; grandsons, Brian Muska and wife Liz and Dean Muska; great grandchildren, Brayden and Hannah Muska; a brother, Edward H. Smajstrla and wife Tracie; a sister, Helen Zapalac; a sister-in-law, Annie Hlavenka and husband Richard; and many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Pallbearers are David Kolar, Bernard Gerik, Terry Sefcik, Mark Zapalac, Tommy Muska and Ron Kaska. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the charity of your choice.