John H. Polansky

John Henry Polansky, age 73, of West, passed away Thursday, August 21, 2025 at his daughter's residence in Lacy Lakeview, surrounded by his loved ones.

A rosary will be recited 6:00 p.m. Tuesday at Aderhold Funeral Home Chapel, followed by visitation until 8:00 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, August 27, 2025 at St. Mary's Catholic Church of the Assumption in West, Rev. Walter Dhanwar as celebrant, assisted Deacon Ronnie Sykora. Burial will follow at St. Mary's Cemetery.

John was born July 1, 1952 in Waco, the son of John and Christine (Pustejovsky) Polansky. He is a 1971 graduate of West High School. On November 11, 1975 he was united in marriage to Evelyn Soukup in West. Evelyn preceded him in death on May 19, 2003. John was a faithful member of St. Mary's Catholic Church of the Assumption in West and the KJT Society #31. John was a very hard worker who spent his life farming and tending the land with dedication and pride. Alongside Evelyn, he built and ran their farming operation until her passing. Even after retiring from his own operation, he continued to help others with theirs, showing that his love of the land and commitment to hard work never faded. He was a man of strong faith, faithfully attending church and praying his rosary with devotion. John was also known for his strength, which was evident in his firm handshakes and the way he carried himself. At the same time, he had a joyful spirit. He loved dancing, listening to music, and spending time socializing with family and friends. He also gave back to his community by volunteering at the West Community Center, where he helped deliver meals through the Meals on Wheels program. Through his example, John taught us perseverance, faith, service, and the importance of enjoying life's simple moments. His legacy lives on in the lessons he instilled and the love he shared so freely.

John is also preceded in death by his parents; a sister, Annie Mach and her husband Robert; and brothers-in-law, Jerry Mynarcik and Ron Lucien.

Survivors include his children, Denise Carey and husband Matt of Waco, and Gregory Polansky and fiancé Dana Perry of Meridian; his grandchildren, Cordelia Watson, Makayla Watson, Brenly Polansky, Makenzie Polansky, and Grayson Polansky; step grandchildren, Scott Carey, Kamren Darnell and wife Harley, and Hope Cabrera; step great granddaughter, Gracie Darnell; brothers, Joe Polansky and wife Lillian, Robert Polansky and wife Elizabeth, and Bill Polansky and wife Jo; sisters, Georgia Hutyra and husband Robert, Christine Mynarcik, Frances Nors and husband George, Mary Lucien, and Janie Bottoms and husband Wade; and many nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

Active pallbearers are Brian Hutyra, Jason Berger, Jonathan Holy, John Matus, Kenneth Mynarcik, and Billy Polansky. Honorary pallbearers are his grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the West Senior Citizen Meals-On-Wheels Program.