Irvin Edmund Zacek

After a brief and unexpected illness, our beloved Dad and PawPaw, Irvin Zacek, was called to his heavenly home on Thursday, April 21, 2016, surrounded by his loving family. Irvin was born in Pierce, Texas to Edmund and Hattie Zacek on March 7, 1934. He married the love of his life, Dorothy Gregory, on November 20, 1952. One of Dad's highlights during those early years was being the Ganado farmer who brought in the first bale of cotton in 1963. In 1968, he took a job with The Dow Chemical Company, where he worked until his retirement in 1996. Irvin loved listening to all kinds of music, but polka music and George Jones were two of his favorites. When he would get a new CD, he always had one or two songs to share with his children and grandchildren when they were at his home. He was one of the best storytellers/jokesters around, and you never knew at first if he was telling you something that really happened or if it was one of his jokes. Irvin also enjoyed playing cards on Friday nights with friends and going to the Tuesday domino gatherings in Danbury. Through the years, he loved watching his kids, grandkids, and great-grandkids play sports. It started when he coached his daughter's softball team in Edna; then he coached his son's little league baseball team, the Tigers, in Danbury; followed his granddaughters throughout their sports careers, and was always at the ballpark to watch his great-grandkids play ball. His greatest pride was his children and family. His home was filled with love and laughter and he will be greatly missed by all. Left to cherish his memory are daughter, Donna Thomson (Will); son, Johnny Zacek (Dinah); grandchildren, Jaime Thomson, Jackie Meiste (Scot), Amy Cook (Stephen), Michelle Bell (David), Jennifer Zacek; seven great-grandchildren; sisters, Leona Popp (Norbert) and JoAnn Orsak (Bob); and his nieces and nephews. Preceding him in death were his wife and parents. Visitation will be at St. Anthony's Catholic Church, 1523 Main Street, Danbury, TX from 4:30-6:00 PM on Sunday, April 24, 2016 with a rosary immediately following. A funeral mass will be held Monday, April 25, 2016 at 11:00 AM at St. Anthony's Catholic Church with Father Joseph Phiet-The-Nguyen and Deacon Gerald Peltier officiating. A family graveside service will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Anthony's Catholic Church. Provide comfort for the family by planting a tree in memory of Irvin Edmund Zacek, please visit our Heartfelt Sympathies Store. Visitation Sunday, April 24th, 2016 4:00pm - 6:00pmService Information Monday, April 25th, 2016 11:00pm