William "Willie" Alois Machicek, 86, of Shiner, passed away May 20, 2024.  He was born on January 19, 1938, to Joe L. & Agnes Mozisek Machicek in Lavaca County, TX.  He married Gladys Ann Kocian on October 27, 1962, at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Hungerford, TX.

Willie grew up in St. Mary's, Texas, and went to school at Vysehrad School.  His family farmed cotton and corn and raised cattle and pigs.  He grew up with a passion for farming life. In January of 1961, he helped to move his sister and brother-in-law to Houston and ended up staying there getting a job at Hurricane Steel with his brother-in-law.  He worked the night shift, while his brother-in-law worked the day shift.  He helped his sister with the kids and whatever was needed.  After a year and a half, he moved back home and started farming on his own place in Breslau with his wife, Gladys.  Later, they moved to Shiner where he resided his entire life.  He worked at Tex Tan in Yoakum as a leather worker and later as a foreman.  He enjoyed trading and selling tractors and farm equipment while making lots of friends throughout his career.

Willie took welding classes which helped him further his skills.  He made low-boy trailers and sold equipment at many auctions.  He enjoyed raising cattle and hunting.  He loved attending Czech music events and singing with friends and family as well.  In his later years, his new passion was going on casino trips with his wife and friends.  He always enjoyed conversing in the Czech language with people, including strangers.

Willie is survived by:  his wife of 61 years, Gladys; his children, David Machicek & wife Amy, Judy Faldyn & husband Eric; four grandchildren, Ashton and Connor Machicek, and Lauren and Jordan Faldyn; 3 brothers, Joe Machicek & wife Mary, Anton Machicek & wife Leona and Alois Machicek & wife Joyce; sister Frances Berger & husband Louis; sister-in-law Lorine Machicek; brother-in-law Ervin Dostalik; and many loving nieces & nephews.

Willie was preceded in death by:  parents; 3 brothers, Edward, Johnnie and George Machicek; and sister Agnes Dostalik.

Funeral Mass Service: 10 am, Tuesday, May 28, 2024, at St. Mary's Catholic Church, Hallettsville, TX. Visitation: starting at 5 pm Monday at Kubena Funeral Home, and Rosary at 7 pm. Pallbearers: Henry Machicek, Myron Dostalik, Jody Machicek, Andy Machicek, Tony Machicek, Steven Machicek, Jason Machicek, Leroy Kocian, Jr. Lectors: Lauren Faldyn and Ashton Machicek. Gift Bearers: Jordan and Lauren Faldyn and Connor and Ashton Machicek. Alter Servers: Chloe & Gregory Belicek. Officiant: Rev. Michael Rother. Memorials: St. Mary's Catholic Church or Donor's Choice. Burial: St. Mary's Catholic Cemetery.