Willie E. Helona

Willie E. Helona, age 77 of Abbott, passed away Friday afternoon, September 22, 2006 at the Veterans Administration Hospital in Temple. A rosary will be recited and Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 2:00 p.m. Sunday 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 4819. The family will receive visitors from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. Saturday at the funeral home. Mr. Helona was born on April 28, 1929 in the Brooken Community near Abbott, the son of Frank and Frances (Mandak) Helona. He attended schools in Brooken and Abbott. He served his country during the Korean Conflict before being honorably discharged in October of 1952. On November 24, 1954, he was united in marriage to Valerie Mae Janek in Abbott. He loved the land and engaged in farming for over forty years. In addition to farming, he worked at General Tire & Rubber Company in Waco, General Motors in Arlington, Certain-Teed in Hillsboro, and was the manager at West VFW Club until his retirement in 2004. Willie enjoyed cooking, gardening, listening to Czech music, and especially loved spending time with his family. He was a member of S.P.J.S.T. Lodge 6 of Cottonwood, where he served for many years as President and Treasurer; R.V.O.S. #46 of Cottonwood, where he had many years of service as President, Vice President, and auditor; Knights of Columbus Council #2305; K.J.T. Society #31; West V.F.W. Post 4819; American Legion Post #478; and the Disabled American Veterans of Mexia. Willie was also a member of St. Mary's Catholic Church of the Assumption in West. A son, Daryl F. Helona, who died on January 21, 1985 at the age of 13; his parents; 2 brothers; 6 sisters; and a godchild, Richard Kubacak; all preceded him in death. Survivors include his beloved wife of 51 years, Valerie Mae Helona of Abbott; one son, Edward W. Helona of Laguna Park; two sisters, Mary Mach and Helen Kubacak and her husband Raymond, all of West; sisters-in-law, Mary Helona of Abbott and Pauline Helona of West; and many godchildren, nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Pallbearers are Raymond Helona, Joe Mach Jr., Raymond Kubacak Jr., Jerry Janek, Richard Mikeska and Norman Payne. Memorials may be made to St. Mary's Parish Center.