George Vacek

George Theodore Vacek, Sr, 87, of Smithville, TX passed away peacefully on January 20, 2026, after a full, happy, and meaningful life. He was born on September 1, 1938, in the family farmhouse to George and Mary Vacek. George grew up on the farm in a large family and was one of seven children. Life on a working farm meant he had responsibilities from an early age. That work ethic served him well his entire life.

In high school, George fell in love with Clara Brosch and both were at the center of Smithville High sporting and social activities until their graduation in 1957. George participated in almost all sports but excelled in Track and Field; his specialty was the 1-mile event. George’s speed set a record in the event, and he earned a track scholarship to the University of Texas in Austin. Both George and Clara attended UT for a year, but decided to leave school, get married, and start a family.

George and Clara lived in Northeast Austin and had five children by the time they were 30 years old. Family and faith were extremely important to George and Clara. They were involved in Sacred Heart Catholic Church and Dellwood Optimist. On the weekends, George and Clara would take the family to Smithville to spend time with George’s family (at the farm) and Clara’s family (in Smithville). Any time the family traveled out of town, two things would happen: (1) They would stay at a relative’s house (no matter how distant) and (2) They would attend church on Sunday; there were few times when a Catholic mass was not an option, but more often than not, a mass was going to be attended.

George and Clara both worked multiple jobs to make ends meet. After a full day of work, you could find George umpiring softball games or refereeing basketball. He was always doing whatever he could to provide for the family. Eventually, George obtained a job at Jefferson Chemical Company in North Austin. He progressed through several roles (and ownership changes) over the years and eventually retired in 1998. He thoroughly enjoyed the challenges that work required and it was quite an experience for a “simple country boy” to work with Research Chemist PhDs.

After the family was raised and George retired, he and Clara spent many years travelling, visiting family and friends, square dancing, and collecting antiques (most notably salt and pepper shakers). They loved and cherished this time together until Clara’s passing in 2006.

George was a caring and warm-hearted man. He was always active, and if someone needed a volunteer, George was one of the first in line. He would do whatever he could to make the situation better. Family, faith, and fellowship were important to George in his many roles as coach, boy scout leader, eucharistic minister, marriage counselor, bridge club, dinner club, square dancing, and many others. George’s favorite roles were grandfather and great-grandfather. “Papa” as he was known, was adored and loved by his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Many cherished memories were created in Austin and at the farm with Papa.

George was an extremely outgoing and happy person, and almost everyone remembers his infectious smile and excitement of being around others. He LOVED music. You would often find George with a guitar playing and singing songs at family gatherings. You could also find George leading the Grand March at family weddings, participating in nationwide square-dancing adventures, or teaching numerous people how to dance as the “Unofficial Ambassador” of the Broken Spoke. One of the most memorable musical traditions was “Uncle George” leading the family prayers and Christmas Carols every year at the farm. In his later years, even with his difficulty hearing, he kept Willie’s Roadhouse playing all night on the radio on his nightstand.

George was preceded in death by his beautiful wife of 48 years, Clara Brosch Vacek; his parents, sister Martha Ann and brother-in-law John Meneghetti, sister Dolores and brother-in-law Al Castello, brother Daniel and sister-in-law Betty Vacek, brother Pat Vacek, sister Carolyn, sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Dorothy and Bobby Ingram, Sr.

George is survived by his sister, Janet and brother-in-law Norman, his five children: Claire Swartz, George Theodore Vacek, Jr. (Ted) and daughter-in-law Eve, Gary Vacek, Bryan Vacek and son-in-law Gerardo Cordova, Scott Vacek and daughter-in-law Pamela; his 11 grandchildren: Jarrod (Alyse) Swartz, Kali Swartz (Brian) Lillie and Trevor Swartz, Courtney, Evan, and Sheldon Vacek, Luke Vacek, Nicholas, Maya, Hannah and Jack Vacek; and his five great-grandchildren: Violet and Adelle Swartz, and Caleb, Hudson, and Clara Lillie.

To say that George never met a stranger is an understatement, and he was beloved by all. His presence will be deeply missed.

Visitation will be held from 5:00pm to 7:00pm and the Vigil and Rosary will begin at 7:00pm on Thursday, January 29, 2026, at St Paul Catholic Church. The family will greet guests at the Church Hall.

Funeral Mass will begin at 10:00am on Friday, January 30, 2026, at St Paul Catholic Church. Following the service, family and friends will proceed to the Smithville VFW for food and fellowship. George's family will privately gather, and he will be laid to rest at Oak Hill Cemetery.