Mark Zatopek

Mark Zatopek, age 66, of Speegleville, passed away Thursday afternoon, June 22, 2023 at home surrounded by his family.

A Memorial Service will be held 10:00 a.m. Friday, June 30, 2023 at Aderhold Funeral Home Chapel in West. Burial will follow at Fatima Cemetery in Abbott.

Mark was born May 21, 1957 in Waco, the son of the late Johnny and June (Walker) Zatopek. He was a 1975 graduate of Abbott High School, attended McLennan Community College, and received his bachelor's degree in graphic design from the University of North Texas in Denton. On December 9, 1989 he was united in marriage to Cheryl Van Dyke in Abbott. Mark was a talented freehand artist and worked in art and advertising for many years for Buchanan in Waco and at his own company "Zotco" producing computer graphic art, television and radio advertisements, detailed ad layouts, catalogs, company logo designs, and newsletters. He was a music lover, self-taught drummer and musician and enjoyed playing together with many friends and family members over the years. He was a natural comic and often caught people off guard with his knack for satire. He wrote and shared freeform poetry and song lyrics with family and friends. Mark was an animal lover, a nature lover, and always very accepting of all people, with never an unkind word, and his family always came first.

Survivors include his beloved wife of 34 years, Cheryl Zatopek of Speegleville; son, Mark Clayton Zatopek of Hewitt; daughter, Courtney Zatopek of Speegleville; brothers, John Zatopek and wife Elizabeth, Patrick Zatopek, and Thomas Zatopek and wife Cindy; sisters, Susan McGehee and husband Charles, Brenda Rosenberg and husband Murray, and Gail Guinn and husband Quintin; parents-in-law, Richard "Dick" and Sandy Van Dyke; brother-in-law, Rick Van Dyke and wife Terri; and many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society.