Billy "Chief" Marek

Chief Master Sargent Billy Joe Marek, Retired, passed away on Monday, December 14, 2020 from complications of COVID-19 in Austin, Texas at the age of 83. He was born on April 17 in Abbott, Texas to Emil R. Marek and Rose (Simcik) Marek.

A few months before his 18th birthday, Billy enlisted in the United States Air Force and served his country for almost 29 years before retiring in 1983. He began his career as a Jet Engine Aircraft Mechanic and retired as an IG Inspector from Bergstrom Air Force Base in Austin, Texas. Throughout his career, Billy traveled the world, serving in France and most notably, two tours in Thailand during the Vietnam War. He was awarded many decorations, medals, badges, citations and campaign ribbons during his service including awards for longevity, defense service and a Vietnam Service Medal. After honorably retiring from the Air Force as a Chief Master Sargent, he began his second career at Tri-County Construction, working there for 17 years or so before retiring from construction.

He was preceded in death by his son, Michael Marek; a granddaughter, Kati Rose Teseny; his parents, Rose and Emil Marek; two sisters, Annie Iverson and Bessie Herbruck; and a brother, Marvin Marek. Billy is survived by his wife of 62 years, Helen Svrcek Marek; two daughters, Brenda Marek Teseny and her husband, Bruce, Denise Marek Moreland and her husband, Wayne; four granddaughters, Tawny and Wesla Moreland, Cassie Moreland Cordell (husband, Chris), and Christi Teseny; two grandsons, Kyle and Connor Teseny; four great-grandsons, Clint Candela (wife, Maria), Trey Pinson, Kayden and Rylan Cordell; and four great granddaughters, Lauren Candela, Destiny and Leah Pinson, and Coral Cordell.

The family wishes to thank the caregivers at Pecan Ridge Memory Care for their care and compassion for Billy this past year.

A private Rite of Committal will be held graveside for Billy at 1:00 on Friday, December 18, 2020. He will be buried with Full Military Honors. The service will be live streamed at https://m.facebook.com/CookWaldenFuneralHome/