Albert E. Smotek, 86, of Hallettsville, died Feb. 5, 2009. He was born on Aug. 3, 1922 to Frank & Annie Vajdak Smotek in Snook, Texas, and the third of fourteen children of which two died in infancy. He married Margaret Schiller Smotek on Sept. 15, 1946 in Houston. He lived in Houston prior to moving to Hallettsville in 1988.

Albert was in the Army Air Corp from 1941 to 1945 and obtained the rank of Sergeant. He was a member of the American Legion Post 230, Charter Member of Lavaca County Czech Heritage Society, 50 year member of S.P.J.S.T. Lodge 4, H&L Stock show Buyer Club, and United Food & Commercial Workers International Union, and Czech Moravian Brethren Church in Vsetin.

It was always obvious when Albert Smotek walked into the room. As a big, strong, handsome man, he carried a "booming" yet friendly voice. His big "HELLO" could be heard across the room no matter the room size! It was important to him to make all feel welcomed and part of his "family".

Children also seemed to be drawn to Albert. His big hands and calming words brought them quickly into his lap and then on to a "jumping" knee for a "ride".

His Grandchildren always held a special place in his heart. He always took the time to make each one of them feel special. Each one can recite numerous stories of spending time with Paw Paw. These include teaching each one how to drive in "Old Buttercup", wrestling for money found in Easter Eggs, pulling arm hairs, and playing "hide and seek".

One special talent Albert had was cooking. Whenever his family got together there were always special requests for some of his dishes such as: BBQ Chicken, ribs, brisket, steaks, chicken noodle soup, stew and the world famous "Red Eye" Gravy, which was named after making everyone "tear up" from the "heat". These meals were not just thrown together. He was very meticulous in his planning and preparation . Oak and Mesquite limbs had to be cut to his specific measurements to produce just the right flavor. And only certain brands of spices were acceptable.

Albert could begin to realize his retirement dream after purchasing the Farm in 1969. He enjoyed all the hard work that came with building fences, growing feed, raising cattle and chasing Armadillos. This was truly his heaven on earth.

He enjoyed the many friendships he made over the years living in the Hallettsville/Wied community. There were many late night Domino games on County Road 178. It was hard playing Dominos with Albert because he could usually tell you what you had in your hand after the first round. With that said, there was a special bond with the surrounding neighbors that created an everlasting friendship.

Albert is survived by: wife Margaret of 62 years; son Glenn Smotek & wife Ronda of Slaughter, LA; daughter Peggy Frese & husband Patrick of Houston; 4 brothers, Frank Smotek of Sealy, Johnny Smotek of Houston, Jerry Smotek of Bryan, and Edmund Smotek of Lyons; 4 sisters, Olga Rousset of Galveston, Ann Swonke of Plantersville, Margie Faust of Somerville, and Janet Zan of Bryan; 7 grandchildren, Kimberly, Julie, Meredith, Rachel, Candice, Jack and Katherine; and 6 great grandchildren, Kayla, Madeleine, Emma Kate, Ethan, Hayden, and Alexis.

Albert was preceded in death by his parents; 4 brothers, Roy, Edward, Walter, and Will Smotek; and sister Lillian Ottmer.

Service: 11 am, Saturday, Feb. 7, 2009, at Czech Moravian Brethren Church in Vsetin. Visitation: 3 pm, Friday, at Kubena Funeral Home in Hallettsville. Burial: Czech Moravian Brethren Cemetery. Officiate: Rev. Mark Labaj. Pallbearers: Ralph Van Tassell, Chris Hoker, Kyle Davenport, Walter Smotek, Dennis Hozak, Francis Klekar, Robert Schiller, and Patrick Frese. Honorary Pallbearers: Jack W. Smotek, Alan Hozak, Delbert Faust, and Howard Faust. Memorials: Czech Moravian Brethren Church of Vsetin, or Senior Citizens Center of Hallettsville.