George Hlavacek, 90, El Dorado Springs, passed away Friday, Nov. 5, 2010, at Community Springs Healthcare Facility. He was born April 26, 1920, in Vernon County, near Virgil City. George was the youngest son of Henry and Emily (Langer) Hlavacek.
He graduated from the Virgil City School. Later, he served as a Private in the United States Army during World War II. George was promoted to Sergeant and helped raise the first American flag on Hokaiddo Island, Japan. He was honorably discharged from Fort Sheridan, IL, in October 1946, after arriving in the United States on the battleship General Weigel. George was proud to have served his country in World War II.
George was employed by the H.B. Davis Car Agency for a few years and later he was employed at the International Shoe Company in El Dorado Springs. He retired from there in May 1982, after 25 years.
On Dec. 21, 1946, he married Pauline Julian. They lived all of their married life in El Dorado Springs and were the parents on one son, the late Dennis Hlavacek.
George was saved April 24, 1957, and was baptized May 5, 1957, by Pastor G.H. Sublett at the First Baptist Church in El Dorado Springs.
George enjoyed his family and home very much. His hobbies were gardening and working in the yard with flowers and shrubs. He and his family enjoyed fishing and traveling. Their most interesting and enjoyable trip was spending a week in Washington, D.C., touring the White House and all the other famous places.
Preceding him in death were: his son, Dennis Hlavacek, on June 22, 2002; his parents, Henry and Emily (Langer) Hlavacek - El Dorado Springs; five sisters - Mary Wright – Nevada, Anna Zartman and Helen Zartman - El Dorado Springs, Josephine Ungermann - Berwyn, IL, and Agnes Alburtis - Warrensburg; and two brothers, J.F. Hlavacek and Vencel Hlavacek - El Dorado Springs.
George is survived by his wife, Pauline - of the home in El Dorado Springs; one grandson, Michael Hlavacek, and wife, Christy, and twin step-great grandchildren, Ethan and Madison - all of Springfield; daughter-in-law, Dalinda Hlavacek - El Dorado Springs; sister-in-law Mary Lady, and husband, Leo; brother-in-law, John Julian, and wife, Linda - all of El Dorado Springs; brother-in-law, Frank Julian, and wife, Penja - Kansas City; and many nephews, nieces, cousins, other relatives and friends.
George will be sadly missed by family members and friends.
A visitation was held at Bland-Hackleman Funeral Home on Monday, Nov. 8. Services were held at the El Dorado Springs First Baptist Church on Tuesday, Nov. 9, with Pastor Ron Marsh officiating. Rusty Carver sang In the Garden, When the Roll is Called Up Yonder and How Great Thou Art accompanied by Rita Farris. Interment followed in El Dorado Springs City Cemetery under the direction of Bland-Hackleman Funeral Home.
Pallbearers were - Ralph Zartman, George Zartman, Rob Zartman, Ron Zartman, John Julian and Leo Lady. Honorary pallbearers were - Frank Julian, Buford Wright, Bob Roe, Mert Fogler, Frank Haynes and O.J. Hawkins.
