Richard A. Vacek

Richard A. Vacek, 84, of Sugar Land, Texas passed away on March 16, 2024, in Sugar Land, Texas surrounded by his family. He was born on September 7, 1939, in East Bernard, Texas to Charles and Sophie Hlavinka Vacek. Richard was a long-time member of Holy Rosary Catholic Church in Rosenberg, TX, where he was a Lector for over 20 years and a member of the KJT. Richard was also a Knights of Columbus 3rd degree member for 54 years in which he served as Grand Knight and District Deputy and a 4th degree member for 46 years. He earned a bachelor’s degree from Southwest Texas State University and went on to teach Math for 6 years as well as drive a school bus. Shortly after, Richard traded in school buses for tractors when he worked as a salesman for John Deere for over 38 years. He then worked as an insurance agent for Catholic Life. When he wasn’t working, Richard was an avid sports fan, cheering on the Astros, the Oilers, and the Texans. He loved listening to Czech polka music and dancing. His proudest moments were watching his children, grandchildren, nieces, and nephews play band, baseball, softball, volleyball, football, basketball, swimming and dancing. He made friends with everyone in the stands. This loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend to all will truly be missed. In addition to his parents, Charles and Sophie Vacek, Richard is preceded in death by his brother, Jerome Vacek and his wife, Dorothy; in-laws, Sidney and Mary Ann Vacek; son-in-law, Patrick Valerian; and nephew, Matthew Vacek. Survivors include his wife of 60 years, Betty Jane Vacek; daughters, Theresa James and husband, Vinton, and Ann Valerian; sister, Sophie Prokop; brothers-in-law, Larry Vacek and wife, Kathy, and Kenneth Vacek and wife, Rose. Richard is also survived by his grandchildren, Vinton Lee James and wife, Hailey, Tarah Lawrence and husband, Philip, Valerie Valerian, Thomas Valerian and wife, Julianna, and Travis Valerian. Richard’s legacy will live on through his great grandson, Sebastian Lawrence, along with numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family and friends. Visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. with a Rosary at 7:00 p.m., Wednesday, March 20, 2024 in the Chapel of Davis-Greenlawn Funeral Home in Rosenberg. The funeral mass will be held at 10:30 a.m., Thursday, March 21, 2024 at Holy Rosary Catholic Church in Rosenberg followed by burial at Greenlawn Memorial Park in Rosenberg. Fr. Vipin George to officiate the services. For those wishing, in lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to Holy Rosary Catholic Church in Rosenberg, Texas, Holy Rosary Catholic School Endowment Fund or to the Knights of Columbus Scholarship Fund. Tributes and words of condolence may be left for the family at www.davisgreenlawnfh.com. Arrangements are under the direction of Davis-Greenlawn Funeral Home, 3900 B.F. Terry Blvd. (Hwy 59 South @ FM 2218), Rosenberg, Texas 77471, Phone: 281-341-8800.

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Richard A. Vacek

September 7, 1939 - March 16, 2024