Robert Pavelka

Robert W. "Bob" Pavelka, age 78, of Abbott, passed away late Wednesday afternoon, August 10, 2011 at his residence. A rosary will be recited 6:00 p.m. Friday at the Aderhold Funeral Home Chapel, with visitation to follow until 8:00 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 9:30 a.m. Saturday at St. Mary's Catholic Church of the Assumption in West, with Rev. Ed Karasek as celebrant. Military Graveside Rites will follow at St. Mary's Cemetery, conducted by West V.F.W. Post No. 4819. Bob was born July 26, 1933 in Mart, the son of Willie and Vlasta (Adamek) Pavelka. He attended schools in Mart and played football for the Mart High School Panthers. On August 1, 1953 he was united in marriage to Evelyn Cepak in Abbott. She preceded him in death on March 2, 1993. Bob served his country with the United States Army as a Staff Sergeant during the Korean Conflict. He worked for General Tire and Rubber Company in Waco for over thirty years before retiring in 1987. He also worked for West Community Hospital and was a farm manager for Plantation Foods. Bob was a longtime and faithful member of St. Mary's Catholic Church of the Assumption. He was also a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post #4819, S.P.J.S.T. Lodge #66, Knights of Columbus Council #2305, and the United Rubber Workers Union Local #312. He enjoyed cooking for weddings and funerals, taking bus trips to gamble, woodworking, and mowing. He especially loved spending time with his family and friends. Bob is also preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Charlie Pavelka and Ed Pavelka; and a sister, Willie Mae Veselka. Survivors include his guardian angel of 15 years, Willie Mae Holecek of West; three daughters, Pam Story and husband Steve of Waco, Dana Hoelscher and husband Daryl of The Colony, and Colette Gordon and husband Wayne of Clarendon; a son, Shannon Pavelka of Abbott; a brother, Eldon Pavelka and wife Dorothy of West; seven grandchildren, TSgt. Chance Story and wife Florina, SSgt Sasha Story, Jacob Story, Kasey Lewis, Ravyn Hoelscher, David Gordon, and Aaron Gordon; two great granddaughters, Jasmein and Sonty Story; and many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Pallbearers are David Gordon, Aaron Gordon, Chance Story, Jacob Story, Nathan Holecek, T.J. Holecek, Mark Pavelka, and Paul Pavelka. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Mary's Catholic Church Building Fund.