Eugene Vaclavik

Eugene “Gene” Joseph Vaclavik, 80, of Houston, began his heavenly journey Monday, December 4, 2023.
A rosary was recited at 6 p.m. Friday, December 8 at Thiele-Cooper Funeral Home in Yoakum.
Funeral Mass was celebrated at 1 p.m. Saturday, December 9 at Sts. Cyril & Methodius Catholic Church in Shiner, with Rev. Michael Ordartay-Lamptey officiating.
Burial followed at Shiner Catholic Cemetery under the direction of Thiele-Cooper Funeral Home, Yoakum.
Pallbearers were David Vaclavik, Mitchell Vaclavik, Justin Vaclavik, Patrick Vaclavik, Kaleb Debord and Michael Pesek.
Honorary pallbearers were Sharon Vaclavik, Diana Vaclavik, Belinda Vaclavik, Deborah Dulaney and Hilary Pesek.
He was born August 25, 1943 in Shiner, the fourth of five boys, to Milosh and Agnes (Peterek) Vaclavik. Gene was the last surviving member of the family and now returns to rest where he was born.
Gene graduated from Shiner High School in 1962 where he was an accomplished high school athlete; playing baseball, basketball and football. His teammates gave him the nickname “Wheel” for his quickness and speed.
He joined the U.S. Army in 1966 and trained as a medic in preparation of deployment to Vietnam but instead the Army had other plans, sending he and his wife, Clara (Jaehne) Vaclavik to Mannheim, Germany.
While in Germany treating soldiers, he spent his personal time pitching for the 3rd Battalion baseball team.
Gene was honorably discharged in 1970, returning to Houston with wife, Clara and son, Bryan, living there for the remaining years. Gene worked tirelessly, providing for his family, stirring the pot, and watching his grandson Patrick play baseball and football.
He lit up any time he spoke of Patrick’s QB play and reminisced often how it was fate that his grandson would follow his footsteps as an athlete.
Survivors are his high school sweetheart/wife, Clara Jaehne Vaclavik; devoted son, Bryan Vaclavik;  grandson, Patrick Vaclavik; brother-in-law, August Jaehne (Patty); nieces and nephews, Mark (Mary), David (Lois), Diana (John), Belinda (Greg), Sharon, Hilary (Michael), John (Debbie); and numerous great nephews and nieces.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Milosh and Agnes Vaclavik; and four brothers, Patrick, Milton, Rudolph and Edwin Vaclavik.
Special thanks to Deborah Dulaney for all her love and devotion to Clara and Gene through all the years.
Memorials may be made to any animal adoption or rescue shelter in Gene’s honor.