Johnny Vanek

Johnny Louis Vanek, age 89, of Robinson, passed away Monday, October 19, 2026, on his 69th anniversary with his wife Dorothy, at Ascension Providence Hospital 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, October 24, 2026, at St. Martin's Catholic Church in Tours, with Msgr. Henry Petter as celebrant. Burial will follow at St. Mary's Cemetery in West.

Born in West, Texas, on May 14, 1937, Johnny was the beloved son of Bernard "Ben" and Mary (Hutyra) Vanek. A graduate of Itasca High School, Class of 1955, he exemplified the values of hard work, dedication, and integrity throughout his life. On October 19, 1957, Johnny entered into marriage with Dorothy Hejny in Ennis. Together, they built a beautiful life filled with joy and cherished relationships. Johnny worked as a meat market manager at H-E-B, where he devoted 37 years of service. Johnny was a man of faith, a devoted member of St. Louis Catholic Church in Waco and previously of St. Mary's in Waco. He served on the Reicher School Board, demonstrating his lifelong commitment to education and community service. He found joy in outdoor pursuits such as hunting and fishing, and he treasured listening to Czech music and vacationing with family in Rockport. His greatest pleasures were in time spent with his family.

Johnny is preceded in death by his parents; brother, Bernard Vanek; sons-in-law, Kenneth Dews and Jim Strickland; and grandsons, Gordon Dews and Jonathon Dews.

Survivors include his beloved spouse of 69 years Dorothy Vanek of Robinson; children, Randy Vanek and wife Tracy of Oglesby, Pamela Strickland of Robinson, Greg Vanek and wife Ann of Dallas, Deanna Horn and husband Dale of Waco, and Pat Vanek and wife Sharon of Crawford; 10 grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; brother, Al Vanek and wife Elizabeth; sister, Bernice Petter and husband Alois; and many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Pallbearers are Justin Dews, Kenny Durbin, Kenny Holland, Brian Horn, Sam Stone, Ben Vanek, Brady Vanek, and Mason Vanek.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Bishop Louis Reicher Catholic High School in memory of Johnny Vanek.