Anthony "Tony" J. Rokas

Anthony Rokas July 8, 1933 – January 30, 2016 Anthony (Tony) Rokas passed away peacefully at home on January 30, 2016, in Waco, after a battle with cancer. Services will be at 11:00 a.m., Wed., February 3, at Wilkirson-Hatch-Bailey Funeral Home, with Father John Ballard officiating. Burial will follow at Oakwood Cemetery. Trisagion Service and visitation will be 6:00 p.m., Tues., Feb. 2, at Wilkirson-Hatch-Bailey Chapel. Tony was born on July 8, 1933, to James Rokas and Mary Kazanas Rokas in Boston, Massachusetts. They moved to Waco when Tony was 2 years old. He attended Waco public schools and graduated from the University of Texas. He served honorably in the U. S. Army. Tony married Karen (Ward) Rokas, of San Antonio, in 1960. Tony went to work for Central Texas Iron Works, starting as a draftsman, estimator, and finally as a design engineer, designing sports stadiums. In 1987 he moved with Schultz Industries to form Sturdisteel. Tony enjoyed all sports. He had many happy memories coaching Lake Air pee wee football, which he did so for 8 years. He never missed one of his son’s athletic events. Tony and Karen enjoyed traveling, which included trips covering all 50 states, Asia, Europe, Canada, and Mexico. Tony enjoyed playing golf and always wished he was better at it, but still enjoyed playing with his friends. He was a member of St. Nicholas Orthodox Church and now is a member of St. Andrew Orthodox Church. He served on the parish council for both churches. He was preceded in death by his parents, James and Mary Rokas. He is survived by his wife, Karen; sons, Jim Rokas and wife, Gina, and their children, Allie and Austin of Ennis; Tom Rokas and wife, Amber, and their children, Sydney and Nikki of Waco; Chris Rokas and wife, Meredith, and their children, Garrett and Marley of San Antonio; brother, Harry Rokas and wife, Nina, of Dallas; nephew, Michael Rokas and wife, Georgia, of Houston; niece, Maria Christon and husband, John, of Dallas; and numerous cousins. Pallbearers are A.W. Hines, Austin Rokas, Garrett Rokas, Michael Rokas, John Christon, and Dr. George Kazanas. Honorary pallbearers are Evan Klaras, Johnny Bledsoe, David Schimschat, Dr. Jack Gillette, Johnny Graves, and Don Cox. Memorials can be made to St Andrew Orthodox Church, P.O. Box 23467, Waco, Texas 76702-3467, or the American Cancer Society. The family invites you to leave a message or memory in our “Memorial Guestbook” at www.WHBfamily.com.