Gilbert Wachsmann

Gilbert J. Wachsmann, age 80, of Tours, passed away late Sunday evening, August 21, 2005 at Providence Health Center in Waco. A rosary will be recited 7:00 p.m. Tuesday at the Aderhold Funeral Home Chapel by Msgr. Isidore Rozycki, followed by visitation until 9:00 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 10:00 a.m. Wednesday at St. Martin's Catholic Church in Tours, with Msgr. Isidore Rozycki as celebrant. Military Graveside Rites will follow at St. Mary's Cemetery near West, conducted by V.F.W. Post No. 4819. Mr. Wachsmann was born on May 4, 1925 in Tours, the son of William W. and Gertrude (Huber) Wachsmann. He was raised in the Tours area and attended schools in Tours and Tokio. He served his country with the United States Army during World War II with campaigns in New Caladnia, New Guinea, Leyte, Okinawa, and Korea. He was discharge with many accommodations at the rank for Technical Sergeant in 1946. Gilbert then returned to central Texas and married Mary Frances Soukup on June 20, 1950 in West. He was an auto and diesel mechanic at the James Connally Air Force Base, General Dymanics, and Texas State Technical College where he was shop foreman until he retired in 1991. Gilbert was a member of St. Martin's Catholic Church in Tours and the American Federation of Government Employees. After his retirement he enjoyed working on lawn mowers and especially loved spending time with his family. His parents and a brother, William F. Wachsmann preceded him in death. Survivors include his wife Mary Wachsmann of Tours; two sons, Joe G. Wachsmann and his wife Barbara of Waco and Bernard Wachsmann of Tokio; two daughters, Lois Neff and Evelyn Nichols, both of Waco; four grandchildren, Mark Wachsmann and wife Carolyn of Waco, Lisa Wachsmann and fiance Chris Spates of Austin, Jenny Markham and husband Bryan and Penny Nichols, all of Waco; four great grandchildren, Andy Wachsmann, Emma Wachsmann, Kara Wachsmann, and Kaitlyn Markham; and many other relatives and friends. Pallbearers are Mark Wachsmann, Chris Spates, Bryan Markham, Steve Wachsmann, Bobby Skerik and Henry Soukup. Memorials may be made to the St. Martin's Church Renovation Project.