Raymond Holasek

Raymond J. Holasek, age 78 of West, passed away Friday June 24, 2005 at Providence Health Center in Waco. Military graveside services will be held at 3:00 p.m. Monday at Waco Memorial Park with West VFW Post #4819 of West and John Hurtick officiating. The family will receive visitors from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the Aderhold Funeral Home Chapel. Raymond was born on May 20, 1927 in West, the son of Joseph F. and Mayme (Vavra) Holasek. He graduated from West High School in 1944 and attended Baylor University and Texas A&M University. Raymond then entered the United States Army serving his country from 1944 to 1946. On December 31, 1947 he was united in marriage to Lou Ellen "Wencie" Jenkins in Marlin. He then received his Bachelor's Degree in Geology and his Master's Degree in Mathematics, both from the University of Texas. Raymond was employed by Marathon Oil Co. as a Geologist for 35 years before retiring in 1986. During that period, Ray and Wencie lived in Midland, Tx, Durango, Co. Casper, Wy, Shreveport, La. Houston, Tx, Anchorage, Ak. Finley, Oh, and Jakarta Indonesia, London England, and then returned to West where he raised Longhorn cattle. Ray was a member of SPJST Lodge #54, University of Texas Exes, Treasurer of the West Community Hospital Board, American Association of Petroleum Geologists, Czech Heritage Society of Texas, Kiwanis Blood drive co-ordinator, a Longhorn cattle rancher, and an avid sports fan, particularly the University of Texas Longhorns and West Trojans. He is preceded in death by his parents, sister, Doris Henderson, and nephew, Joe Henderson. Survivors include his beloved wife of 57 years, Wencie of West; his son, Joseph Carroll Holasek and his wife Debbie; his daughter, Karla Rae Holasek, all of San Diego, Ca; his brothers-in-law, John C. Hurtick and wife Alison of West and G.W. "Bill" Henderson of Llano; his nieces, Barbara O'Rear and Susan Trammell, and Lorri Park; two Granddaughters, Halea Holasek, and Alana Holasek; his beloved dog and "Best Friend" Amy; and other relatives and friends. Pallbearers are Calvert Carroll, Ben Trammell, Howard Freund, Wayne Martin, John Hoffman, and Jake Tucker. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Czech Heritage Society of Texas or the charity of your choice.