Leon Atomanczyk

Leon J. Atomanczyk, 70, of Waco, passed away Tuesday night, September 16, 2003, at a local hospital.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Friday at St. Louis Catholic Church with Father David Liebham officiating. Burial will follow in Oakwood Cemetery.

The Rosary will be recited at 7 p.m., Thursday, at OakCrest Funeral Home, 4520 Bosque, with visitation with the family following.

Leon was born April 20, 1933, in Bremond to Jake and Verna Atomanczyk, and lived in Waco for over 50 years. He was married to Mary Jo Helpert 45 years ago, and they have been long time members of St. Louis Catholic Church.

Leon graduated from Baylor University with a degree in accounting, and was a retired accountant. He worked at William Cameron Wholesale and Boise Casade. After retirement, he volunteered at the Harrison Center.

A devoted husband, father, and grandfather, he was always there when his beloved family needed him. He especially enjoyed being surrounded by 'his girls.' He constantly smiled, and always unselfishly took care of everyone else?s needs before his own. He made sure that his three daughters completed 12 years in Catholic schools, and then went on to receive college degrees.

Leon was preceded in death by his parents, and two brothers, Msgr. Marion A. Atomanczyk and Bernard Atomanczyk.

Surviving Leon is his wife of 45 years, Mary Jo Helpert Atomanczyk; three daughters, Cindy Ibe and husband John of Flower Mound, Patti White and husband Steve of New Braunfels, and Diana Howle and husband Bill of Waco; three granddaughters, Madison Ibe, Kaylee White, and Lynne Howle; brother, Bill Atomanczyk and wife Deborah of Mart; and sister, Dorothy Koehne and husband Clarence of San Antonio.

Pallbearers will be Steve White, John Ibe, Bill Howle, Justin Pool, Jason Atomanczyk, and Carol Koehne.

Honorary pallbearers will be Bill Atomanczyk, Roy Pipkin, and Kenneth Koehne.

Memorial guestbook available at www.oakcrestwaco.com.