Lawrence Ondrej

Lawrence Raymond Ondrej, Sr., age 75, of Leroy passed away early Saturday morning, August 15, 2009 at Providence Health Center in Waco. A rosary will be recited and Mass of Christian Burial celebrated 12 noon Monday, August 17, 2009 at St. Mary's Catholic Church of the Assumption in West, with Rev. Will Straten and Rev. Ed Karasek as celebrants. Burial will follow at St. Mary's Cemetery. The family will receive visitors from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. Sunday at the funeral home. Lawrence was born March 23, 1934 near Abbott the son of August and Anna (Mynar) Ondrej. He attended schools in Penelope before entering the United States Army, serving in Germany. Lawrence worked for General Tire and Rubber Company in Waco for over 26 years before retiring in 1985. Prior to that he drove a gravel truck and farmed. He was a member of St. Mary's Catholic Church of the Assumption in West. Lawrence was also a member of the S.P.J.S.T. Lodge No. 6 in Cottonwood, R.V.O.S. Lodge No. 46, and the United Rubber Workers Union Local No. 312. He enjoyed collecting records, dancing, and playing the Lotto. He loved spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren. His parents; two brothers, John Ondrej and Ben Ondrej; a sister, Dorothy Vybrial; a grandson, Stephen; and a brother-in-law, Ted Pappas preceded him in death. Survivors include his beloved wife of 49 years, Joan Ondrej of Leroy; a son, Larry Ondrej and wife Gail of Leroy; a daughter, Lisa McAdams and husband Duane of Waco; a brother, George Ondrej and wife Patti of Waco; three sisters, Evelyn Pappas of Malone, Mildred Tooley and husband Jim of Burleson, and Mary Ann Jones of Garland; a sister-in-law, Nellie Ondrej of Penelope; eight grandchildren, Ashley Audrie, Trey, Catherine, Raymond, Keith, Dylan, and Ty; three great grandchildren, Christopher, Elijah, and Cammryn; and many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Active pallbearers are his grandchildren and honorary pallbearers are his great grandchildren. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Waco Humane Society.