Joe Frank Soukup, Sr.

Joe Frank Soukup Sr., age 86, of Abbott, passed away early Monday afternoon, May 19, 2008 at West Rest Haven. A rosary will be recited 6:30 p.m. Wednesday at Aderhold Funeral Home in West. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 10:00 a.m. Thursday at the Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church near Abbott, with Msgr. Henry Petter and Rev. B. George as celebrants. Burial will follow at Fatima Cemetery. Mr. Soukup was born on January 13, 1922 in West, the fourth child out of eleven born to Joseph and Mary (Kracmer) Soukup. His dad passed away when Joe was 19 years old and he stayed home to help his mother with the farm and his younger brothers and sisters, while his older brothers went off to war. Joe used to drive Willie Nelson and a few other friends to Waco and other towns, so Willie and his band could perform. At the time, Willie was too young to have a driver's license. Joe also helped in the building of the Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church in Abbott. On July 8, 1947, he married the love of his life, Evelyn Ann Petter at the Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church and to this union was born nine children. Joe was a farmer and custom harvester all of his life. Some people knew him as Catfish Joe, because he sold fingerling channel cat for many years. Later in life, he was known for his scrap iron birds that he designed and made for the public. His greatest joy was his grandchildren and telling them that a college education was something that no one could take away from you. His inspired words helped his grandchildren graduate from Texas A & M, Texas Tech, Clemson, Mary Hardin Baylor, Tarleton, TSTC and MCC. He was a member of Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church in Abbott, K.J.T. Council #107 of Abbott and R.V.O.S. in Cottonwood. His parents, one daughter, Evelyn Polansky, who died on May 19, 2003, three brothers, Louis, George and Johnny, four brothers-in-law, Jerome Kaska, Steve Neckar, Steve Kaska, Raymond Knapek, and one sister-in-law, Albina Soukup all precede him in death. Survivors include his beloved wife of 60 years, Evelyn Soukup of Abbott; four sons, Jerry Soukup and wife Georgia of Red Oak, Roy Soukup and wife Fern of Cottonwood, Alvin Soukup and wife Dorene and Joe Soukup Jr. and wife Charlotte all of West; four daughters, Mary Holy and husband Don of Downsville, Josie Walter of Robinson, Martha Philen and husband Don of Crawford, and Patricia Kaluza and husband John of West; son-in-law, John Polansky of West; two brothers, Alfonse Soukup and wife Georgie of Waco, and Steve Soukup and wife Frances of West; Five sisters, Katie Kaska of Abbott, Hattie Kaska of West, Mary Neckar of West, Lillie Matus and husband Raymond of West, and Rosie Knapek of Axtell; two sisters-in-law, Mary Soukup of Ferris and Elaine Soukup of New Braunfels; sixteen grandchildren, Jonathan Soukup and wife Jenny, Kristy Wolter, Julie McCarroll and husband Wes, Mandee Menefee and husband Clint, Chris Holy and fianc Casey Burns, Andy Soukup and wife Diane, Elizabeth Hall and husband Sam, Rebekah Soukup, Denise Watson and husband Michael, Greg Polansky, Sharon Buttry and husband Chris, Vicki Stalnaker and husband Jon, Patrick Kostecka and fianc Brittney Burgan, Jaime Walter, David Kaluza and wife Lynette, and Charlie Kaluza; eight great grandchildren, Molly Soukup, Cordelia & Makayla Watson, Brady & Toby Buttry, and Tyler, Taylor, & Chloe Kaluza; several step grandchildren and step great grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends. Pallbearers are his grandsons, Jonathan Soukup, Patrick Kostecka, Andy Soukup, Chris Holy, Chris Buttry, Clint Menefee, Greg Polansky, and Jon Stalnaker. Memorials may be made to the Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church Building Fund, American Cancer Society, or the charity of your choice.