Benjamin R. Soukup

Benjamin R. Soukup April 16, 1925 - May 19, 2011 Benjamin R. Soukup of Waco passed away Thursday, May 19, 2011. Graveside services will be 10:30 a.m., Monday, May 23, at Waco Memorial Park with the Msgr. Mark Deering officiating. Visitation will be 3:00 5:00 p.m., Sunday, May 22, at Wilkirson Hatch Bailey Funeral Home. Benjamin was born April 16, 1925, in Elm Mott, Texas, to Charlie and Annie Soukup. As a young man he enlisted in the US Coast Guard on April 17, 1943, and was discharged May 13, 1946, as a radio operator. After discharge he went to radio school and worked as a stock clerk. He joined the US Navy October 1950, as a radioman second class, and served until May 1953. He married Doris Stevens on April 3, 1952, and they were blessed with two daughters. After his military tours he was employed by the Department of Public Safety in Austin, followed by 27 years with the City of Waco in radio communications. Benny enjoyed spending time with family and friends. His hobby was repairing televisions and radios, and he loved working on his cars. He could always be found Friday nights at the HOT Speedway, because he was an avid race fan. He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife of 43 years, Doris; and his sister, Rudie Nowlin. He is survived by his two daughters, Rhonda L. Dunahoo, of Temple, and Donna Ogle and husband, David, of Carthage, MO; sister, Gracie Soukup of Bellmead; son-in-law, James Dunahoo of Gatesville; grandchildren, Nicholas Dunahoo of Belton, Krystin Peaslee of Temple, and Scott Ogle, of Carthage; and great grandchildren, Korbyn and Addison Dunahoo and Allison Ogle, and one more on the way. Honorary pallbearers will be Nick Dunahoo, James Dunahoo, Korbyn Dunahoo, Jamy Peaslee, David Ogle, Scott Ogle and Kirk Krause. Memorials may be made to the American Heart Association or to the Run to Live Foundation, P.O. Box 128, Waco TX 76703. The family invites you to leave a message or memory in our "Memorial Guestbook" at www.WilkirsonHatchBailey.com.