Joe F. Soukup

Joseph F. "Joe" Soukup, age 89, of West, passed away early Friday morning, November 21, 2014 at Quality Care Center in Waco. A rosary will be recited 5:00 p.m. Sunday at the Aderhold Funeral Home Chapel, with visitation to follow until 7:00 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 10:00 a.m. Monday, November 24, 2014 at St. Mary's Catholic Church of the Assumption, with Rev. Paul Hudson as celebrant. Military Graveside Rites will follow at St. Mary's Cemetery conducted by the West Veterans Honor Guard. Joe was born September 29, 1925 near Ross, the son of Frank and Louise (Jaska) Soukup. He attended schools in Ross and Tokio. He served his country with the United States Navy during Korean War and World War II, where he received a Purple Heart for wounds received. On August 8, 1950 he was united in marriage to Helen Skerik in West. Helen preceded him in death on November 15, 1992. Joe was a lifelong farmer and rancher. He also worked for General Tire and Rubber company in Waco for 39 years before retiring in 1987. He was a member of St. Mary's Catholic Church of the Assumption. Joe was also a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post #4819, the SPJST Lodge #54 and the RVOS Lodge. Joe enjoyed hunting, fishing, gardening, reading, watching Westerns on television, history and talking about his service during the war. Joe is also preceded in death by his parents and a sister, Annie Skerik. Survivors include two daughters, Mary Lou Chudej and husband Jerry and Delores Charanza and husband Rocky; two sons, Joe Soukup and special friend, Cindy Mynarcik and Henry J. Soukup and wife Theresa, all of West; brothers, Frankie Soukup and wife Mary Ann and Johnny Soukup and wife Bernice; a sister, Mary Wachsmann; grandchildren, Lori Klaus and husband Kyle, Cristy Hykel and husband Justin, Colton Soukup and special friend Julia, Brandon Soukup, Holly Soukup and Henry A. Soukup; great grandchildren, Kade, Kason and Reigan; and many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Active pallbearers are Henry A. Soukup, Colton Soukup, Johnny Skerik, Brandon Soukup, Kyle Klaus, Henry Dirba, Joe Urban and Ernie Soukup. Honorary pallbearers are Lori Klaus, Cristy Hykel, Holly Soukup, Gary Deiterman and Dwain Deiterman. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the West Rest Haven Disaster Relief Fund or the charity of your choice.