Richard C. Klimitchek, Sr., of Ezzell, age 83, passed away on July 7th, 2011 at his home surrounded by his family. He was born on February 29, 1928 to the late Frank and Julia Klimitchek in Ezzell. On June 28th, 1955, he married Rosie Joyce DeBord at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church.

Richard served in the U.S. Army during the Korean Conflict, and received the Army Occupation Medal (Japan), United Nations Service Medal, Korean Service Medal with one bronze service star, and the Combat Infantry Badge. He was a member of St. John the Baptist Catholic Church and the Parish Council Board in Koerth. He retired from Alcoa with 30 years of service and was a member of the Alcoa 25 Year Club. After retirement he enjoyed spending his time fishing, hunting, raising cattle, and enjoying time on his ranch with his family.

He was also a member of the Ezzell ISD School Board for 20 years, Director of the First National Bank of Hallettsville, Member of American Legion Post 230, Member of VFW Post 6382, and member of Lavaca County American Cancer Society.

Richard is survived by his loving wife of 56 years, Rosie Joyce DeBord Klimitchek, his six children, Joycelyn Kozelsky and husband Louis of Edna, Carolyn Ebert and husband David of Pasadena, Richard Klimitchek, Jr. and wife Sheila of Hallettsville, Linda Van Sant and husband Gary of Tomball, Sharon Bitter and husband David of Double Oak and Frankie Klimitchek of Richwood. He was blessed with 11 grandchildren, Kristin Kozelsky Marek and husband David of Edna, Louis (Skipper) Kozelsky III of Austin, Andrea Ebert Jones and husband Justin of Chesterfield, VA, Victoria Ebert of Pasadena, Alyson Klimitchek of College Station, Amy and Adrienne Klimitchek of Hallettsville, Joshua and Jacob Van Sant of Tomball, and Kelsey and Blake Bitter of Double Oak. He is also survived by two great-grandchildren, Jacklynn and Bradley Marek of Edna.

Surviving are four brothers, Franklin Klimitchek, Carl Klimitchek and wife Patsy, and Alton Klimitchek all of Hallettsville, O'Daniel Klimitchek and wife Jeanie of Lolita, and a sister, Dorothy Horton of Hallettsville, and a sister-in-law, Rose Klimitchek of Dayton and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Frank and Julia Klimitchek, his brother Jesse Klimitchek, and his brother-in-law Wayne Horton.

The family would like to express our sincere gratitude to the staff of DaVita Dialysis of Cuero, Helping Hearts of Hallettsville, and Accolade Hospice of Yoakum. Also, the family would like to extend special thanks to Dr. Ann Wagner, Dr. Campbell, Dr. White, Dr. Watson, and Dr. Adams.

Funeral Mass Service: 2 pm, Saturday, July 9, 2011, at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church of Koerth, Texas. Visitation: 4 pm, Friday, at Kubena Funeral Home. Wake Service: 7:30 pm, Friday, at Kubena Funeral Home. Officiate: Rev. Charles Sonnier. Pallbearers: Louis (Skipper) Kozelsky III, Victoria Ebert, Amy and Adrienne Klimitchek, Blake Bitter, Joshua and Jacob Van Sant, and Kenneth Klimitchek. Honorary Pallbearers: Andrea and Justin Jones, Charles Klimitchek, William (Buddy) Hermes, James Hermes, Leon Smothers, and Joe Gerlich. Memorials (In lieu of flowers): St. John the Baptist Catholic Building Fund, Sacred Heart Catholic School, the National Kidney Foundation, or Donor's Choice. Burial: Koerth Catholic Cemetery.

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