Albin "Big Al" Picha

Albin L. "Big Al" Picha, age 88, of West, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family Saturday, March 16, 2024 in Waco.

A rosary will be recited 6:00 p.m. Friday at Aderhold Funeral Home Chapel, followed by visitation until 8:00 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 10:00 a.m. Saturday, March 23, 2024 at St. Mary's Catholic Church of the Assumption in West, with Rev. Timothy Vaverek as celebrant, assisted by Deacon Robin Waters. Military Graveside Rites will follow at St. Mary's Cemetery, conducted by West Veterans Honor Guard.

Al was born February 26, 1936 in West, the son of John and Martha (Grones) Picha. He attended the old Leggett School and was a 1956 graduate of Abbott High School. On January 13, 1962 he was united in marriage to Patricia Urbanovsky in Abbott. Patricia preceded him in death on February 2, 2015. Al proudly served his country in the United States Army during the Korean War stationed in Germany with the 92nd Artillary. He was a lifelong member of St. Mary's Catholic Church of the Assumption.  Al was also a member of the American Legion Post #478, the Knights of Columbus Council #2305, and West Bass Club where he served as a former president. He was the owner of West Sheet Metal Works and the Czech American Restaurant in West for many years until his retirement. Al enjoyed golfing, fishing, deer hunting, gambling at Wendover, cooking, playing scratch off tickets, watching western movies, drinking a good cold pivo, and playing dominoes and Taroky. He was an avid fan of the Dallas Cowboy and Texas Rangers. Al loved coaching all of his children in sports, taking his daily trip to eat lunch with his family and friends at Czech American, and he especially loved getting together with his children, grandchildren, great grandchildren and great great grandchildren.

Al is also preceded in death by his parents; a son, Richard Picha, a son-in-law, Dennis  Pavlas; his parents-in-law, Ed and Mary Urbanovsky; a brother, Felix Picha; a sister, Margie Featherston; a brother-in-law, Rasie Ward; and a sister-in-law, Gladys Picha.

Survivors include his children, Sharon Russell and husband Buster of Abbott, Michele Pavlas of West, Darrell Picha of West, Greg Picha and wife Karen of West, and Jenene Gueringer and husband Billy of Waco; two brothers, George Picha and Robert Picha and wife JoAnn; a sister, Genevieve Ward; sister-in-law, Bernice Picha; brother-in-law, Jack Featherston; his grandchildren, John Picha and wife Amanda, Jason Picha and Malinda, Bradley Russell and wife Amy, Travis Russell and wife Meagan, Kelsey Russell & Tracer Hand, Breanna Watson and husband Justin, Cassie Pavlas & Darren Marek, Blaine Picha, Blake Picha & Joanna Montes, Justin Picha, Kaylyn Waters and husband Jacob, and Keaton Pratka; his great grandchildren, Jynesis, Waylon, Witten, Adalynn, Emersyn, Oaklyn, Samuel, Sophie, Tiffany, Bailey, Hogan, Brinley, and Railey; his great great grandsons, Kaiden and Kolby; and many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Pallbearers are Jason Picha, Bradley Russell, Travis Russell, Blaine Picha, Blake Picha, Justin Picha, Keaton Pratka, and John Picha.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the West Volunteer Ambulance Association or to the West Volunteer Fire Department.