Walter R. Soukup

Walter R. Soukup, age 89, of West, passed away early Thursday afternoon, September 23, 2010 at St. Catherine Center in Waco. A rosary will be recited 5:00 p.m. Sunday at Aderhold Funeral Home by Janice Kaluza, followed by visitation until 7:00 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 10:00 a.m. Monday 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 Dyess Air Force Base Honor Guard and West V.F.W. Post #4819. Mr. Soukup was born August 24, 1921 in West, the youngest and last surviving of 14 children born to Anton and Rosa (Lichnovsky) Soukup. He attended Treadwell School and graduated from West High School in 1940 before attending Hill Jr. College and Baylor University. Walter served his country with the United States Army Air Force during World War II where he was listed as missing in action for 6 months. Walter received the Purple Heart, Presidential Unit Citation and American Theater Ribbon for extraordinary heroism in action. He was a farmer for most his life before retiring in 1995. Walter had a special love for his dogs, Whitie, Duke, Brownie, and Blackie. He was a lifetime member of St. Mary's Catholic Church of the Assumption in West. He was also a member of the West Knights of Columbus Council #2305, West Veteran of Foreign Wars Post #4819; and the West Chapter of the Military Order of the Purple Heart. Walter is preceded in death by his parents; 13 brothers and sisters; and several nieces and nephews. Survivors include many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends, including a special friend, Connie Scott. Active pallbearers are Eugene Rejcek, Dr. B.D. Pierce, Vincent Kapczynski Jr, Dwain Deiterman, David Dokupil, Robert Mynarcik, Ben Kapczynski, and Linn Pescaia. Honorary pallbearers are the Staff of Oak Street Medical Clinic, David Pierce, Douglas Pierce, and Joe Edd Grimm. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Knights of Columbus #2305 Building Fund, St. Mary's Catholic Church Building Fund or to the charity of your choice.