Raymond Kubacak, Sr.

Raymond Kubacak, Sr., age 89, of West, passed away Monday morning, December 7, 2009 at West Rest Haven in West. A rosary will be recited and Mass of Christian Burial celebrated 2:30 p.m. Thursday at St. Mary's Catholic Church of the Assumption, with Rev. Anthony Odiong as celebrant. Military Graveside Rites will follow at St. Mary's Cemetery, conducted by West V.F.W. Post No. 4819. The family will receive visitors from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home. Mr. Kubacak was born April 6, 1920 in West, the son of Frank A. and Mary (Smajstrla) Kubacak. He attended St. Mary's School and West High School. Raymond served his country with the United States Army during World War II in New Guinea and the Phillipines. Twenty-eight days after the bombing of Hiroshima, he was in one of the first group of soldiers arriving to help secure the area. On November 8, 1949 he was united in marriage to Helen Helona in Abbott. Raymond worked for General Tire and Rubber Company in Waco for 31 years before retiring in 1982. He was also a carpenter and worked with Ben Cernosek and Albin Karlik. Raymond was a lifelong member of St. Mary's Catholic Church of the Assumption. He was also a member of the United Rubber Workers Union, West V.F.W. Post No. 4819, American Legion Post No. 478, Disabled American Veterans; K.J.T. Society No. 31, and St. Mary's 50-50 Club. Raymond enjoyed making wood crafts, fixing things for friends, and working in his workshop. He especially loved going to Austin to watch his grandson's play sports. He was preceded in death by his parents; a son, Richard "Ricky" Kubacak; a brother, Alphonse Kubacak; and a sister, Irene Devers. Survivors include his beloved wife of 60 years, Helen Kubacak of West; a son, Raymond "Smokey" Kubacak, Jr. and wife Cindy of Austin; two brothers, George C. Kubacak and Charles Kubacak and wife Rose, all of West; two sisters, Lucille Uptmore and Barbara Recek, both of West; three grandsons, Ian Kubacak and wife Jess, Isaac Kubacak, and Ivan Kubacak; and many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Pallbearers are David Devers, Mike Recek, Jimmy Doherty, Charles Kubacak Jr., Anthony Kubacak, and Inky Uptmore. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Mary's Catholic Church or West Volunteer Ambulance Association.