Richard J. Hlavenka

Our loving husband and Papa, dedicated Marine, diligent farmer, cancer survivor, and family comedian Richard J. Hlavenka was called to be with Lord in the early morning of May 28, 2016, at Baylor Scott & White Hospital in Waco, leaving behind many family members, loved ones, and irreplaceable memories. A rosary will be recited 6:00 p.m. Tuesday at the Aderhold Funeral Home Chapel in West, with visitation to follow until 8:00 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, June 1, 2016 at St. Mary's Catholic Church of the Assumption in West, with Rev. Boniface Onjefu as celebrant. Military Graveside Rites will follow at St. Mary's Cemetery, conducted by the West Veterans Honor Guard. Richard was born in West, Texas on August 2, 1927 to Tom and Frances (Hutyra) Hlavenka. He attended St. Marys Catholic School and West High School prior to entering the United States Marine Corps. After completing basic training at Camp Pendleton, Richard transferred overseas to serve his country in China post-World War II. After finishing his troops mission, and with newly-acquired Chinese language "skills", he returned to West to marry his childhood sweetheart, Annie Pavlas on August 1, 1949. Richard was a career farmer and later enjoyed assisting customers at Nemeceks Meat Market and West Hardware. Richard was a life-long parishioner of St. Marys Catholic Church of the Assumption in West, where he served as an usher for several years. He was a proud and active member of SPJST Lodge #54 in West (where he received the Lifetime Achiever Award in 2004), KJT Lodge #31, VFW Post 4819, and American Legions. His favorite pastimes involved attending and supporting his granddaughters in their school activities, and he never missed an opportunity to tell others how proud he was of their accomplishments. He is preceded in death by his parents, Tom and Frances Hlavenka; sister Lillian Kudelka and husband Ernest; brothers Alvin "Slick" Hlavenka and wife Evelyn, and Tommy "Sonny" Hlavenka; mother and father in-law, Frank and Lillie Pavlas; sister-in-law Lillie Smajstrla and husband George; and nephew George Smajstrla Jr. Richard is survived by his loving wife of 66 years, Annie Hlavenka of West; granddaughters Lauren Ferrero of San Antonio, and Leanna Sexton and husband Colby of Elm Mott; nephews Tommy Hlavenka and wife Connie of West, Kenneth Kudelka of West, and James Kudelka and wife Judy of West; nieces Sharon Wilson and husband Rory of Waco, Cyndi Lair and husband Rob of Whitney, and Denise Muska of West; and several great nieces and nephews, relatives, and friends. Although Richard was diagnosed with cancer in 2015, he fought and won his battle in order to meet his great-grandson, Garrett Richard Sexton, in January 2016. He gained the strength to hold Garrett independently for the first time shortly before he went to Heaven. Pallbearers are James Kudelka, Brian Muska, Dean Muska, Bill Hlavenka, Kevin Hlavenka, and Billy Pavelka. Honorary pallbearers are Dan Pratka, Bernard Gerik, Burl Shelton, Kevin Chupik, Sam Polansky, Roy Hutyra and Rory Wilson. Richard and Annie were especially grateful to Tommy and Connie Hlavenka for their loving care and unwavering support throughout his cancer treatment and recovery, and to the community of West for steadfast prayers and get-well gifts throughout the past year. In lieu of flowers, memorials honoring Richards life may be made to a charitable organization of your choice.