Elmer Gene Adamek, 80, of Victoria, passed away on July 17, 2023 at his home in Victoria County. Elmer Gene was born in the home of his parents in the small community of DaCosta, outside of Victoria to Adolph & Adela Hollas Adamek, both of High Hill, Texas on June 10, 1943.
He went to school at DaCosta Elementary School and moved on to Bloomington High School where he graduated. He grew up the youngest of 5 children, and as the baby, he was doted on by his 3 older sisters. He learned to garden from his mother, who cultivated that love that would become one of Elmer Gene’s passions as he started his own farm, as well as row crop farming with his father. His parents also gave him his love of service and music; therefore, he followed in their footsteps, working for many decades at DaCosta Sons of Herman Hall. After leaving the hall, he became the hall manager at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in June 1999. He retired from farming and moved to town and spent many years restoring the Jecker House, downtown, to its original grandeur. He was a member of the Altar Society and chaired the Parish Festival for 6 years during his time at St. Mary’s where he continued working until he retired in 2013.
Gene, as he was most commonly known, married Elaine Strelczyk, on November 14, 1964. During their 18 years of marriage, they would welcome two children Brian Adamek and Traci Adamek. They shared the same love of music while they worked together at the weekly bingos and dances at DaCosta Hall. Gene would go on to take over the family farming operation when his father stepped down and served on the Victoria County Drainage Commission for several years. Gene and Elaine divorced in 1983. A few years later, Gene would be reintroduced to Mary Ann Eschenburg Barker at Our Lady of Lourdes in 1986, where they married on July 11, 1987. Their marriage added two step-sons to the family, Tiger and Dean Barker. Gene and Mary Ann shared 18 years of marriage until her death following a long battle with cancer on September 9, 2005. After her passing, met Sandra Fitch in 2008, whom he married on September 19, 2009. Their marriage added two step-sons to the family; Vance Wilson and Mike Wilson. Gene and Sandra traveled for several years until health issues brought them back to the crossroads area to settle down as they tackled the ups and downs, while also dancing and laughing for almost 14 years.
Gene’s love for life, his contagious belly laugh, radiant smile, giving heart, and love for everyone were passed on through his family. His passions are seen in each of his children and grandchildren. With their love of music, dancing, farming, gardening, and their love of volunteering and service, Gene’s legacy will live on and continue to be passed on for many years to come.
Gene is preceded in death by his parents, wife Mary Ann Eschenburg Barker Adamek; siblings; Lorraine Adamek Matson, LaVerne Adamek Kolle, and Linwood James Adamek.
Gene is survived by his sister; Esterleen Janecka Spann, wife Sandra Fitch Adamek, his first wife, Elaine Strelczyk Adamek, and children; Brian Gene Adamek (Jaclyn) and Traci Ann Adamek-Shadle. Step-sons; Tiger Barker (Kim), Dean Barker, Vance Wilson (Christal), and Mike Wilson (Stephanie); grandchildren; Nathan Adamek and Braden Adamek, Michelle Lassere, Tyler Lassere, Coltin Williams, & Layton Shadle. Great Grandchildren; Hawk, Matthew, Joseph, Natalie, and Ryleigh Lassere. Gene is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews and extended family.
Visitation will be held Saturday July 22, 2023 at 9 am at St Mary’s Catholic Church, 402 S. Main St, Victoria, Texas followed by the rosary at 9:30 and funeral mass at 10 am. Father Kristopher Fuchs officiating. Burial will follow at Resurrection Cemetery, followed by lunch and fellowship at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church, 105 N Williams St, Victoria, Texas. Arrangements are by Colonial Funeral Home.
Pallbearers are Vance Wilson, Mike Wilson, Nathan Adamek, Braden Adamek, Tyler Lassere, and Coltin Williams. Honorary Pallbearers are Michelle Lassere, Layton Shadle, Tiger Barker, Dean Barker, Loyd & Georgia West, and all great-grandchildren.
Memorials may be made to St Mary’s Catholic Church or Adopt A Pet.
Words of comfort, condolences and fond memories may be shared with the family at www.colonialfuneralhome.com.
