William Bartosh

William Joe Bartosh, age 79, of West, passed away early Tuesday morning, March 15, 2011 at Hillcrest Baptist Medical Center in Waco. A rosary will be recited and Mass of Christian Burial celebrated 10:00 a.m. Friday at St. Mary's Catholic Church of the Assumption, 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. The family will receive visitors from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home. Mr. Bartosh was born September 27, 1931 in Axtell, the son of John and Mary (Mach) Bartosh. He attended La Vega Schools and served his country during the Korean Conflict with the United States Air Force as an airplane mechanic. On April 19, 1958, he was united in marriage to Louise Rauschhuber in Tours. William worked for James Connally Air Force Base for several years after he was released from the military. He then worked as a heavy equipment mechanic for the Texas Highway Department for over 35 years until his retirement in 1992. He was a member of St. Mary's Catholic Church of the Assumption. William enjoyed farming, fishing, hunting, and raising cattle. William is preceded in death by his parents; a daughter, Theresa Wilson; and two brothers, John Bartosh and Adolph Bartosh. Survivors include his beloved wife of 52 years, Louise Bartosh of West; two sons, Tom Bartosh and wife Carol of Duncanville and Dr. Michael Bartosh and wife Kim of West; a daughter, Mary Coleman and husband Bill of Lorena; a sister-in-law, Rosalie Bartosh of Abbott; 13 grandchildren, Dr. T.J. Bartosh and wife Dr. Nicole, Clifford Bartosh and wife Michelle, Craig Bartosh and wife Melissa, Tammy Rios and husband Aaron, Catherine Bartosh, Lynna Bartosh, Blake Bartosh, Blake Rittenbaugh, Michaela Bartosh, Madison Bartosh, Braden Coleman, Harris Coleman, and Lauren Wilson; 4 great-grandchildren, Owen Bartosh, Emma Bartosh, Tatum Rios, and Jackson Bartosh; and many nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends. Pallbearers are Dr. T.J. Bartosh, Clifford Bartosh, Craig Bartosh, Blake Bartosh, Braden Coleman, Harris Coleman, and Blake Rittenbaugh. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Mary's Catholic Church Building Fund.