Harry Lee Hykel

Harry Lee Hykel, age 90, of West, passed away early Monday morning, December 13, 2021 at Ascension Providence Hospital in Waco. A rosary will be recited 6:00 p.m. Thursday at Aderhold Funeral Home Chapel, followed by visitation until 8:00 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 10:00 a.m. Friday, December 17, 2021 at St. Mary's Catholic Church of the Assumption in West, with Rev. Ed Karasek as celebrant. Military Graveside Rites will follow at St. Mary's Cemetery in West, conducted by West Veterans Honor Guard. Harry Lee was born August 13, 1931 in West, the son of Edward and Vlasta (Hrabal) Hykel. He attended Elk and St. Mary's School in West. On August 28, 1951 he was united in marriage to Mary Ann Holecek in West. Harry Lee proudly served his country in the United States Army during the Korean War. He was a member of St. Mary's Catholic Church of the Assumption in West. Harry Lee served as Commander of West Veterans Honor Guard, and was a member of Veterans of Foreign Wars Post #4819, American Legion Post #478, SPJST Lodge #54, and the RVOS Marak Lodge, where he served as an auditor. He was also a lifetime member of National Rifle Association and the Texas State Rifle Association. Harry Lee worked for General Tire & Rubber Company for 34 years, before retiring in 1985. He also worked as a carpenter with J.M. Holecek and, following his retirement, worked with his son at Larry Hykel Construction Company until 2001. Harry Lee enjoyed fishing, deer hunting, dancing, traveling, gambling, having a good cold beer every once in awhile, and visiting with friends and participating at the VFW Club. He loved spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren. Harry Lee is preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Edward "Shorty" Hykel, Joe "Yoba" Hykel, and Robert Hykel; a sister, Rosalie Karlik; and an infant brother, Victor Hykel. Survivors include his beloved wife of 70 years, Mary Ann Hykel of West; his children, Larry Hykel and wife Donna of West, George Hykel and wife Linda of West, Carla Ruiz and husband Ernest of Austin, and Julie Deiterman and husband Gary of West; a brother, Patrick "Butch" Hykel and wife Joanie; a sister, Caral Ann "Tootsie" Lehman and husband Richard; grandchildren, Justin Hykel and wife Cristy, Lacey Hykel, Tyler Hykel and wife Elizabeth, Garrett Hykel and wife Olivia, Joseph Ruiz and wife Vera, Amanda Jordan and husband Trevor, and Allison Ruiz and Ben MacMaster; great grandchildren, Reigan Hykel, Gage Hykel, Sophie Jordan, Abigale Hykel, August Hykel, and Eli Hykel; and many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Active pallbearers are Justin Hykel, Joseph Ruiz, Tyler Hykel, Garrett Hykel, Trevor Jordan, Ben MacMaster, Jerry Mazanec, and Jeff George. Honorary pallbearers are Norman Payne, Charles Rieger, Ernest "Toby" Tobola, Alfonse Kaska, Alan Bishop, Mike Driscoll, David Pareya, David Neckar, Gage Hykel, Eli Hykel, August Hykel, R.J. "Jake" Sulak and members of the West Veterans Honor Guard. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Mary's Cemetery Pavilion, St. Anne's Altar Society, or the West Volunteer Ambulance Association.