Stanley Vrba, Sr.

Stanley J. Vrba Sr., age 84, of West, passed away early Monday afternoon, March 26, 2018 at Providence Hospice Place in Waco. A rosary will be recited and Mass of Christian Burial celebrated at 10:00 a.m. Thursday, March 29, 2018 at St. Martin's Catholic Church in Tours, with Rev. Walter Dhanwar and Rev. Will Straten as celebrants. Burial will follow at St. Martins Cemetery. The family will receive visitors from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Wednesday at the funeral home. Stanley was born April 2, 1933 in Tours, the youngest of nine siblings born to John A. and Rozina (Macicek) Vrba. While growing up he attended school in the Tours area and worked on the family farm in Hoen. He met the love of his life, Barbara Ann Senftleben at Linden Hall while dancing and the two were married at St. Martin's Church on September 7, 1957. They made their home together in West where they raised four children. Barbara preceded him in death on December 24, 2017. Stanley worked for Texas Coffin Company for 27 years until it closed. He then became the grounds keeper for the Clarion Motel for many years until his retirement in 2012 due to health issues. He was a member of St. Mary's Catholic Church in West. He was also a member of the K.J.T. Society #60 in Tours. Stanley enjoyed gardening and could grow anything, playing bingo and taking care of his cattle. He had a photogenic memory remembering dates and loved spending time with his children and grandchildren telling stories of events and occurrences that happened throughout his life. Stanley was also preceded in death by his parents; nine siblings, Angeline Uptmore, Jerry Vrba, Albina Sykora, Johnnie Vrba, Joe Vrba, Georgia Howell, Ben Vrba, Frankie Vrba and Ermin Vrba. Survivors include his children, Pam Vrba and James Cagle, Stanley Vrba Jr. and wife Debbie, and Melissa Vrba, all of West, and Melinda Vrba of Elm Mott; grandchildren, Brian Anness, Deanna Vrba and fiancee Joe Jones, Steven Anness and fiance Mayra, Rebecca Kietlinski and husband Kiel, Nicholas Trojan, Sherry Anness, Tommy Livingston Jr. and Randy Vrba; a great granddaughter, Layla Nicole Trojan; and many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Pallbearers are Steven Anness, Nicholas Trojan, Ronny Howell, Tony Vrba, Kiel Kietlinski, and Joe Jones. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Martin Cemetery Association or the charity of choice.