Gilbert Sonny Marek

Gilbert "Sonny" Franklin Marek, age 75, of Abbott, passed away late Monday night, August 21, 2017 at Providence Hospice Place in Waco. Funeral services will be held 10:00 a.m. Thursday, August 24, 2017 at the West Brethren Church with Rev. Curtis Holland officiating. Burial will follow at West Brethren Cemetery. The family will receive visitors from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Wednesday at Aderhold Funeral Home. Gilbert was born July 26, 1942 in Abbott, the son of Frank R. and Ella (Hyvl) Marek. He attended schools in West. On October 1, 1961 he was united in marriage to Lillian Kasik in West. He served his country in the United States Navy aboard the USS Ranger, stationed in Japan, China, Hawaii and Alaska. Gilbert worked in maintenance for General Tire & Rubber Company in Waco for 10 years and for St. Catherine Center for 14 years until his retirement in 2006. He was a faithful member of West Brethren Church, where he sang in the church choir and served as Church Board President for many years as well as many other positions. Gilbert was a member of SPJST Lodge No. 66 at Linden Hall and RVOS Society in West. He loved working in the yard, gardening and all church activities. He especially loved spending time with family and grandchildren. Gilbert was preceded in death by his parents and a sister, Georgia Ann Allen. Survivors include his beloved wife of 55 years, Lillian Marek of Abbott; two daughters, Terrie Johanson and husband Jeff of Hillsboro and Donna Jackson and husband Brian of Midlothian; sisters, Dorothy Veselka and husband Louie, Joyce Johnson and husband John, and Jolynn Kasik and husband Robert; grandchildren, Lillie Boedeker and husband Tim, Allison Mata and husband Raymond, and Aaron Jackson; and many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Pallbearers are Aaron Jackson, Raymond Mata, Tim Boedeker, Chris Kasik, Chris Helona and Billy Montes. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to West Christian Sisters or West Brethren Church.