Anton Dolezal

Anton J. (Tony) Dolezal, 84, of Waco, passed away on Monday, March 19, 2007 at his home after a courageous battle with cancer.

Services will be at 11 a.m. Thursday, March 22, at the Waco Memorial Park Mausoleum Chapel. Visitation will be from 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday at OakCrest Funeral Home, 4520 Bosque Blvd. A memorial video honoring his life will be shared during the visitation.

Tony was born May 20, 1922 in Temple to Rudolph and Frances (Turecek) Dolezal. He moved to Waco when he was 6 months old and lived here most of his life.

He served in the 2nd Marines in the South Pacific during World War II, and he received two Purple Hearts for wounds received during combat. His unit received several citations for the combat they saw at the Gilbert Islands. He was honorably discharged on May 18, 1946.

He returned to Waco and became a wood worker foreman for C.M. Trautchold, and retired after 50 years of service in 1992.

He married the former Mary Elizabeth Pearson on January 4, 1947 in Waco, and the couple recently celebrated their 60th anniversary. He enjoyed fishing with his family, and working in his large vegetable garden each year.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Louis Dolezal; and sister-in-law, Ellen Dolezal.

He is survived by his wife, Mary; sons, Alan Dolezal and wife, Pam of Humble, Larry Dolezal and wife, Brenda of Waco, and Gary Dolezal of Waco; daughter, Janice Moreland and husband, Mike of Ennis; brothers, Ady Dolezal of Granbury, Rudy Dolezal of Fort Worth, and Jerry Dolezal of Waco; sister, Mary Howe of Papillion, NE; five grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.

The family especially thanks Hillcrest Home Care and Hospice for their excellent care.