Jerry Anton Vitek

Jerry A. Vitek, age 95, of Belton, TX passed away on Tuesday, January 9, 2024. He was born June 21, 1928 to Frank Edward and Mattie (Hudec) Vitek and lived his whole life in central Texas (Falls and Bell counties), except for when serving in the military.

He attended public schools: Hamilton School in Falls County and Lost Prairie School in Bell County. He graduated from Rosebud High School. His college education was acquired part-time while working and raising a family. He began at Temple Junior College, attended Baylor University, The University of Mary-Hardin Baylor, and then completed a degree at the University of Texas at Austin. Other formal education was provided by the department of the Army. In 1983 he received his CPA license.

He married his sweetheart, Dorothy Mae Haisler, on November 4, 1950. When Dorothy passed away on November 2, 2018, they were 2 days shy of 68 years of marriage. Dorothy and Jerry lived in Belton all their married lives at only 2 different addresses. She was a teacher in Belton for 27 years. They were loyal Big Red sports fans. As long as they were able, they never missed a high school football, basketball, or baseball game (home or out of town). In 1993 the BISD Sports Booster Club recognized them for their faithful support of BISD sports for over 40 years.

Jerry’s career was with two employers: first, the Bowles Family’s Business of Agriculture – Grain Operation, feed and farm products sales and cotton gin operation. This employment lasted 21+ years. Second was the Department of Army at Fort Hood in the comptroller’s office for 23+years.

At the same time, he served in the National Guard for 27 years achieving the rank of Major, with an active duty assignment at Fort Polk, Louisiana during the Berlin Wall construction situation. He also was the fee accountant for housing authorities in Belton, Rogers, Copperas Cove, Rockdale, and Granger for a span of 37 years.

In 1949 a Bowles Farm Supply customer suggested that Jerry should “do” individual income tax returns for the public. So, he started his tax business then and continued with it until 2020.He enjoyed working with clients to complete their tax returns.

Jerry was a lifelong church member of the Unity of the Brethren. He attended the Rosebud congregation as a child, and then was confirmed at Seaton Brethren Church in 1942. He was accepted into membership that lasted 80 years. He served in various capacities at the church, including being a board member, treasurer of a Sunday school class, and auditor for the church. During this time, he also served on the Unity Denomination Synodical Committee for many years, holding the offices of financial secretary and treasurer.

Jerry and Dorothy transferred to the Temple Brethren Church (now named Cross Church on Birdcreek) in 2002.

Preceding him in death was his beloved wife Dorothy, daughter-in-law Kathleen (McKinney) Vitek, his parents Frank and Mattie Vitek, and a sister Mary Jane Vitek.

He is survived by his son Ron Vitek, daughter Jan Cornelius, son-in-law John Cornelius, numerous cousins, brothers and sister-in-law, nieces, nephews, and two special neighborhood friends, David Wolfe and Christa Cook.

If you choose to send a memorial, please consider:

Cross Church on Birdcreek, 2202 Birdcreek Dr. Temple, Texas 76502, or Seaton Brethren Church, 12561 SH-53 Temple, Texas 76501 or HUS Encampment of the Unity of the Brethren, C/O Kent Laza 4913 FM 166 Caldwell, Texas 77836 or charity of your choice.