Robert "Bobby" Pavliska, 58, of Hallettsville, passed away Nov. 30, 2013. He was born on June 9, 1955 to Henry A. & Agnes Netardus Pavliska Sr. in Shiner. He was an active member of 3rd degree Knights of Columbus Council 2433, 4th degree Knights of Columbus Assembly 1128, KJT, Sacred Heart Catholic School, and Sacred Heart Catholic Church of Hallettsville.

Bobby can be truly described as an avid sports fan, especially of the youth in the community. He could often be seen either transporting the Sacred Heart Indians to/from games on "Big Blue", traveling throughout Texas to broadcast games on the local radio station or working at fund raisers at the K. of C. Hall. He was a wealth of information when it came to football, basketball and baseball, but knew very little about "girl" sports. However, once he began following his nieces participate in high-school sports, he quickly learned.

According to Bobby, the only sports teams that existed were the Spurs, the Longhorns, the Astros, and of course, none other than the Dallas Cowboys. He enjoyed watching the games on TV, but his greatest pleasure was to go to Dallas, San Antonio, Houston or Austin with family and friends to see a game in person. Bobby also liked to go skiing; however, his idea of skiing was to drive a snow mobile through the drifts or stay inside sipping on a "warming" beverage next to the fireplace while his buddies were out freezing. Brrrr he did not like cold!

He was also very active in the Knights of Columbus. He held various offices in Council 2433, including Grand Knight, and was currently serving as Recording Secretary. On the state level he served as District Deputy. Bobby served as Faithful Navigator of the 4th Degree - Yoakum Assembly. The Knights were his second family. He was often seen working at various functions and his most treasured endeavor was the South Texas Polka and Sausage Fest that he and his brother, Henry, started in the early 80's. The event started as a one day event and has progressed to a three-day event with a variety of well known bands.

Bobby had a way of making people laugh and making them feel good through his humor and in the culinary arts. Since he did not have an immediate family of his own, he always made sure to include his extended family and friends by having them over to his home to play games or watch football. The last few years, he often accused his nephew-in-law, Pat, of "poking the bear"; however, Bobby was often just as guilty of doing the same. Neither Bobby nor Pat cared if they lost a game as long as the other did not win. And ..... of course, no one ever left his home hungry. He always liked experimenting with new recipes and figured if the food killed a next of kin, he surely would not be sued. Being a JP he would know this.

To improve his culinary skills he competed in many local cook-offs where he was very successful ... even to become a television celebrity ... coming home with many trophies and lots of dirty dishes. Through the cook-offs, he met many people and made tons of friends. One never passed his bar-b-que pit without being given a sample ... and as Bobby would put it ... "it was the winning entry".

Residents of Lavaca County and surrounding counties knew him as the "Polka Man". One will never forget "I'm from Wied, I'm from Wied" or "Bobby ate the chips" ... he thoroughly enjoyed call ins and would visit with the caller sometimes forgetting to put a new song in ... We are sure people got tired of "Horsey Keep Your Tail Up", but he always played what was requested ... and once hunting season started, he especially liked to play "Da Turdy Point Buck" since it was a long song and allowed enough time for a restroom break and drink of water before starting the next song.

Bobby was a big man with a big heart. He was a selfless man. He would always put other's needs above his own. He served Lavaca County as Justice of the Peace, Pct 3 for twenty-three years ... he was a true servant, not only in that office, but in his church and community and his family. He was never too tired to cook another meal, to make a fresh batch of his sausage, or head sausage, or homemade tamales as a gift for his family. It was always important to him to celebrate with family the big feasts of Christmas, New Year's, Easter and Thanksgiving. With these beautiful talents he possessed, it is no wonder his housekeeping skills and attire were not always perfect. Thanks for the memories, Bob!


The last several years of his life have been rather difficult for Bobby. Yet, he never gave up his faith in God. Even though he was not always able to attend Mass, a rosary was always found on the table by his couch. In September, he attended his second ACTS retreat and truly enjoyed seeing the power of the Holy Spirit work through the men, especially his nephew, Chuck. Another highlight of the retreat for him was the music and the good feeling he had when he sang the music. With his passion for serving and praising the Lord, his ACTS brothers will be lifting him up in song and worship in celebration of his life.

Bobby is survived by: his brother, Jerome and wife, Georgia of Gonzales; sister, Agnes Darilek and husband, James of Gonzales; sister-in-law, Linda Pavliska of Hallettsville; 6 nieces, Debbie Jozwiak, Kay Lynn Fawbush, Sandy Durham, Leigh Darilek, Amy Bull and Julie Darilek; 3 nephews, Jerry Pavliska, Chuck Pavliska and Bryan Darilek and nine great nieces and nephews, one of whom is Jacob Fawbush, his godchild..

Bobby has joined his parents and brother, Henry Pavliska, Jr., along with a dear friend (one of the Fab Four), Henrietta Janak, in the glorious home of our heavenly Father.

Funeral Mass Service: 10 am, Thursday, Dec. 5, 2013 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church of Hallettsville.
Visitation: 4 pm, Wednesday, at Kubena Funeral Home.
Rosary: 7 pm, Wednesday, at Sacred Heart Church.
Officiant: Msgr. John Peters.
Pallbearers: Jerry Pavliska, Chuck Pavliska, Pat Fawbush, John Durham, Michael Moeller, Debbie Jozwiak, Leigh Darilek, Amy Bull, Bryan Darilek and Anthony Maresh.
Memorials (in lieu of Flowers): Sacred Heart School Capital Campaign, Sacred Heart Athletic Fund, ACTS, or donor's choice
Burial: Sacred Heart Catholic Cemetery.