Robert John "Bob" Vasek

Robert John 'Bob' Vasek, 75, of Smithville, Texas ended his earthly journey on April 25, 2025.

Born January 31, 1950, the fourth of four sons to Edward and Esther Slavik Vasek, he was raised in Smithville graduating from Smithville High School in 1968. In 1970, he married Pam Newquist. The following years were filled enjoying football, baseball and basketball games of their two sons, Brian and Blain. After the births of their grandchildren, the tradition of following their sports continued. His heart was filled with more love and pride than he could ever have imagined. His devotion to his family was beyond compare.

Bob had a work ethic like no other. In 1979, he purchased Vasek Garage from his dad who started the business in the 1940s. For the next 38 years, he worked tirelessly to expand the business to even greater success. In 2014, Vasek Automotive, Inc. was awarded the Golden Business Award by the City of Smithville recognizing the many years of service to the community. Over the decades his devoted customers became lifelong friends and left him with many comical stories to tell. He was a great storyteller and loved sharing his many stories. Being the prankster that he was only added to the endless stories.

When faced twice with a cancer diagnosis, Bob chose to meet the challenge with unwavering faith, toughness and a fierce determination. He was a fighter who always was concerned more about the effect on his family than on himself.

He was a lifelong member of St. Paul Catholic Church in Smithville and a member of Knights of Columbus Father O'Gallagher Council 4868. Throughout the years, he enjoyed the company of his fellow Knights whether frying fish, barbecuing or setting up tents, tables and chairs for the annual church bazaar. He was a retired member of the Smithville Volunteer Fire Department.

Bob was preceded in death by his parents and his brothers, Edward, Jr., Ernest and David.Left to forever cherish his memory is his loving wife, Pam; son Brian and daughter-in-law, Audra; son Blain and daughter-in-law, Melinda. He always considered his daughters-in-law the daughters he never had. 'GrandBob' was a larger-than-life hero to his four grandchildren, Colton, Connor, Kendall and Kelsey Vasek. He will be remembered as a loving husband, devoted and patient father, and a proud grandfather with a heart as big as Texas.

We are forever grateful to the many family members and dear friends who walked this difficult path with us and share in our sense of loss. He will be missed beyond measure.

The family wishes to acknowledge the staff at Aspen Hospice and Palliative Care, especially Denise, for their tender care and compassion the past few months.

Pallbearers: Daniel Kadlecek, David Kadlecek, John Kelly, Don Montgomery, Larry Schultz, Billy Vydrzal and Honorary Pallbearers: Bobby Kellar, Kenneth Matocha and Scott Stuckey.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests memorial donations be made to St Jude Children's Hospital (stjude.org), Wounded Warrier Project (woundedwarriorproject.org) or the charity of your choice.

Visitation will be from 5:00pm to 7:00pm and the Rosary will begin at 7:00pm on Tuesday, April 29, 2025 at Marrs-Jones Funeral Home.

Funeral Mass will begin at 11:30am on Wednesday, April 30, 2025 at St Paul Catholic Church.

Following the service, family and friends will be invited to food and fellowship at the parish hall.