Emil William Plasek, Jr.

Following a full and adventurous life, Emil Plasek, 86, passed away Saturday, May 20, 2023. Beloved father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend, Emil was the most kind-hearted, loving, and gentle soul God ever put on the planet. Emil never met a stranger—he had a unique way of making people in all walks of life feel special and loved. Living a life filled with success, his passion was encouraging others and being at home with Shirley.

Emil was born on April 3, 1937, in the small Czech town of West, to Emil and Libbie Plasek. They had three children, of which Emil was the baby brother to two older sisters. He graduated from West High School in 1955 where he lettered in track, basketball, football (quarterback), and band (all region baritone and band officer). In addition, Emil was student body president, member of the news staff, honor society, photography club, and was the yearbook assistant editor. Emil was also a serious Boy Scout. In 1951, he attended the World Boy Scout Jamboree in Austria and the National Boy Scout Jamboree in Irvine, California, in 1953. As a senior, Emil was awarded the prestigious Student Council Award and was Student Council President. Of course, his most famous claim to fame was being the boyfriend of Shirley Ann Crabb, and on December 19, 1956, she “finally” agreed to marry him (as he liked to say!) They had four daughters, Paula, Camille, Paige, and Dawn who all agree they had the most loving, selfless, & fun Dad in the whole world.

While attending Baylor University, Emil was in the Baylor band, and he worked part-time for the Waco Jaycees as Executive Secretary. After graduating in 1959, he “found” a job in West in the family business, West Flour Mill Inc. started by his grandfather Joseph in 1923.

While at West Flour Mill, Emil helped to expand the business to a feed mill, chick hatchery, poultry farm, and a fertilizer & grain business. He served as President of the Texas Egg Council in about 1975, and director of the Texas Grain and Feed Association for six years. Besides producing eggs from commercial hens, they produced boiled and peeled eggs, selling them to distributors in Dallas and Houston.

In 1974, Emil and Shirley built their home in Woodway. Ever since, they have been faithful members of Crestview Church of Christ in Waco where Emil served in the past as a deacon and teacher.

Emil sold all the businesses and retired in 2005. He loved traveling the world with Shirley by his side (especially Switzerland), playing the piano, studying alternative medicines, watching the Texas Rangers, Dallas Cowboys, or Baylor Bears, and going to church. He also loved spending time with his family, all the while photographing their life events and adventures.

A member of Kiwanis since 1959, Emil held all offices except Treasurer of the Kiwanis Club of West. He moved his membership to the Kiwanis Club of Waco Senior in 2007 and was President of the club from 2010 to 2011. (He was almost always the #1 seller of pecans for the club!)

Emil was preceded in death by his parents, Emil and Libbie Plasek; sister, Margie Plasek; and a grandson, Grant Zeinert.

He is survived by his wife, Shirley Ann Crabb-Plasek; four daughters and their spouses: Paula and Hutton Jones; Camille and David Koehler; Paige and Randy Zeinert; and Dawn Plasek; ten grandchildren, and seven great-grandchildren; as well as his sister, Jody Potts; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Visitation with family and friends will be Friday, May 26, at 10:00 a.m. at Crestview Church of Christ. A celebration of life honoring Emil will follow at 11. Burial will take place at 2:00 at White Rock Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to Crestview Church of Christ Food Pantry or Crestview Bible by Mail. The family invites you to leave a message or memory on the “Tribute Wall” at www.WHBfamily.com.