In Memoriam

In Memory of Carol Petty

Carol Ann Trcalek Petty left this world after a perfect day of goodbyes with all those she loved and danced into Bud’s arms on Friday, March 24, 2023.

Carol, 67, was born in Bryan, Texas, on September 3, 1955, to Willie Trcalek and Gladys Masar Trcalek Hejl. Carol grew up in the New Tabor community where she was active in New Tabor Brethren Church, the BYF and the SPJST Lodge 17, New Tabor Youth Club. She graduated from Caldwell High School in 1974. Carol married the love of her life, Bud Petty, on May 5, 1979, at New Tabor Brethren Church with their reception held at New Tabor Hall. They made their home on Trcalek family land where they raised their three children and lived until her death.

Carol worked as the J.P. #3 clerk for many years until her retirement in 2010. She was currently serving as president of RVOS Lodge 9, a position she has held since 1980. Carol was also the current secretary of CSA Lodge Svetlo 277, serving in this position since 2014. She also served as the hall manager for New Tabor Hall for several years. She was a member of New Tabor Brethren Church; SPJST Lodge 17, New Tabor; CSA Lodge 277 Svetlo; and RVOS Lodge 9.

Carol enjoyed her many trips to Louisiana and Las Vegas, playing dominoes at the Texan, playing in SPJST tarok tournaments, and playing Bunco with her group of friends. She enjoyed baking, canning, cooking, making homemade noodles, and gardening, but her biggest joy and the light of her life was loving her grandbabies. She also enjoyed going to the many community fundraisers and donating and purchasing items to help support others, especially the youth of our community. Carol had the honor of sponsoring Thatcher’s soccer and basketball teams this year and was so tickled to have their jerseys read,

“Thatcher’s Grandma’s Team.” She also loved working in the beer ticket booth at the Burleson County Fair.

Carol was preceded in death by husband of 32 years, George (Bud) Petty; parents Willie H. Trcalek and Gladys Masar Trcalek Hejl; and stepfather Daniel (Rusty) Hejl.

She is survived by children Mica (Michael) McFarlane, Marshall (Roxanne) Petty, and Mabrey Petty; grandchildren Tyler (Mariah) Sandner, Joshawa and Hunter Petty, and Tabor, Maylee, Millison, and Thatcher Dowell; great-granddaughter Sawyer Sandner; sisters and their spouses, Betty (Donnie) Suehs, Susan (Gary) Skrabanek, and Donna (Bruce) Jones; nephews Kyle (Mikaela) Skrabanek (her Godson) and Logan Jones; nieces Holly (Ralph) Narro, Mindy (Michael) Bammel, Lacy Jones, and Lindsey Collins; greatnephew Dillon Narro (Savanna); and great-nieces Macy Narro and Madelynn Bammel. Carol was so excited about her newest great-niece due in August, Lydia Skrabanek.

We will forever cherish her, as well as the love and memories we share.

Memorials can be made to SPJST Lodge 17, New Tabor Youth Club, c/o Holly Narro, 1505 CR 208, Caldwell, Texas 77836 or a charity of your choice. Condolences can be expressed at PhillipsandLuckey.com.

—SPJST—

In Memory of Margaret Smotek

The Resolution Committee of Lodge Karel Havlicek No. 4, Hallettsville, on behalf of our entire membership, wish to express our sincerest and deepest sympathy to the family of our departed lodge sister, MARGARET A. SMOTEK, age 95, of Hallettsville, Texas, who went to be with the Lord on March 14, 2023.

Visitation began at 5 p.m. on Friday, March 17 at Kubena Funeral Home in Hallettsville. Funeral service was at 11 a.m., Saturday, March 18 at Czech Moravian Brethren Church in Vsetin with Reverend Dr. Mark Labaj officiating. Burial followed in the Vsetin Cemetery.

Margaret was born in Howellville on February 25, 1926, to Eddie and Amalie Klechka Schiller. On September 14, 1946, Margaret married Albert E. Smotek in Houston.

She was a member of the Houston Czech Moravian Brethren Church in Houston for many years. She was active in the Christian Sisters and taught confirmation classes. She worked for 25 years at Curtis 1000, a printing company, as an executive secretary.

Upon retirement, Margaret and Albert moved to Hallettsville and attended Czech Moravian Brethren Church of Vsetin. She participated in numerous organizations including the Extension Club, American Legion Auxiliary, the local food bank, and Czech Heritage Society. She was also a member of SPJST Lodge 4, Hallettsville for more than 50 years.

Margaret was preceded in death by her husband; parents; and brother Elton Schiller.

Margaret is survived by daughter Peggy Frese (Patrick); son Glenn Smotek (Ronda); seven grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces, nephews, and friends.

Memorials may be made to Czech Moravian Brethren Church in Vsetin or donor’s choice.

May our departed sister rest in eternal peace.

Resolution Committee

Victoria Zak

Gayenell Chudej —SPJST—

In Memory of Eddie Hykel, Jr.

Edward R. “Eddie” Hykel, Jr., age 60, of West, Texas, passed away early Tuesday afternoon, March 28, 2023 while on a call with the West Volunteer Fire Department in West.

Rosary was recited at 4 p.m. Sunday April 1 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church of the Assumption in West, followed by visitation until 6 p.m. Mass of Christian burial was celebrated at 10 a.m. Monday, April 3 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church of the Assumption with Reverend Walter Dhanwar as celebrant, assisted by Deacon Robin Waters and Reverend John Crowder. Burial followed at St. Mary’s Cemetery.

Eddie was born November 7, 1962 in Waco, the son of Barbara (Hessel) and Edward Hykel, Sr. He was a 1981 graduate of West High School.

On September 13, 1986 he was united in marriage to Janet Gerik in Tours.

Eddie was a member of St. Martin’s Catholic Church in Tours. He worked in the public works department for the City of West since March of 2007, prior to that he worked for Huck Manufacturing for 19 years. Eddie was a very active member of the West Volunteer Fire Department since 2011.

Eddie was a 49-year member of SPJST Lodge 6, Cottonwood, where he was a past SPJST Lodge 6, Cottonwood Youth Club member and beseda dancer.

Eddie enjoyed restoring old tractors and trucks, painting anything he could get his hands on, working in his pasture, and messing with his cows.

He was very outspoken, never met a stranger, and was always there to lend a hand. He loved spending time with his friends and family especially his grandchildren.

Eddie was preceded in death by his father, Edward Hykel, Sr.; parents-inlaw Leona and Eugene Gerik, Sr.; and brother-in-law Eugene Gerik, Jr.

Survivors include his beloved wife of 37 years, Janet Hykel; mother Barbara Jean Hykel; children Chris Hykel and wife Sammy Jo and Ashley Mynarcik and husband Chad, all of West; grandchildren RaeLynn Ward, Dylan Cassity, Luke Mynarcik, and Dannie Mynarcik; brothers Bobby Hykel and wife Kathy, Terry Hykel and Shanona Goodman, and Keith Hykel and wife Kelly; sisters, Karen Holder and husband Selby, and Lanette Gerik and husband James; sisters-in-law Patricia Reesing and husband Robert, Bernice Gerik and Jilji Gerik; and many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Active pallbearers were David Girard, Kevin Chupik, Phillip Webre, Emanuel Mitchell, CJ Gillaspie, John Hurtick, Mark Gerik, and Dylan Moon. Honorary pallbearers are all past and present members of the West Volunteer Fire Department, City of West Employees, and West Volunteer Ambulance Association.

Memorials may be made to West Volunteer Fire Department; West Volunteer