Robert L. Kahanek

Robert L. Kahanek, age 74, of West, passed away Tuesday afternoon, January 16, 2007 at his residence. Mr. Kahanek will lie-in-state from 2:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. Thursday and from 8:00 a.m. until 8:00 p.m. on Friday, at Aderhold Funeral Home in West. Robert was born January 7, 1933 in Penelope, the son of Louis and Frances (Sijansky) Kahanek. He attended school in Penelope and was a member of the 1951 district champion basketball team. He graduated from Penelope High School in 1951 and entered the United States Marine Corp. In 1953 he was honorably discharged after serving in the Korean Conflict. On January 17, 1959 he was united in marriage to Wilma S. Roznos in West. He worked in the final finish department for the General Tire and Rubber Co. in Waco for over 30 years. Robert was also a farmer, rancher, did custom hay baling with Fred McCollum, and worked for five years at West Rest Haven. He was a member of the West V.F.W. Post No. 4819 and S.P.J.S.T. Lodge No. 6. He was the caretaker for Penelope National Cemetery for over 20 years. Robert enjoyed skeet shooting with his son-in-law and grandsons, going to Las Vegas, and watching all sports, especially the Astros and Cowboys. He also loved raising cattle, fishing, and playing dominoes at Strictly Country with his friends. He is preceded in death by his parents; a brother, Henry Kahanek; and a sister, Pauline Hanzlicek. Survivors include his beloved wife of 48 years, Wilma Kahanek of West; two sons, Robert Lee Kahanek and his wife Le of Las Vegas, Nevada and Mike Kahanek of West; one daughter, Sharon Cox and her husband Wayne of Lorena; two grandsons, Derek Cox and Dillon Cox; a sister-in-law, Evelyn Kahanek of Waco; longtime friends, Melvin Koester of Robinson, Barney Poole of Monroe, Louisiana, and Kenneth Green of Waco; his cat, Mitz Boy; his dogs, Eddie and Maggie; and many nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends. Memorials may be made to the West Volunteer Ambulance Association.