Chris Edward Vanek

Chris Edward Vanek, 47, of Taylor, Texas, passed away on July 15, 2012, as the result of injuries suffered in a tragic motor vehicle accident. He was born October 7, 1964, in Taylor, the son of Edward and Lillie (Havelka) Vanek, also of Taylor. He is survived by his soul mate, Teresa Dodridge Vanek, whom he married in August 21, 1993. After graduating from Taylor High School he served in the U. S. Navy from 1985 through 1988. While in the Navy, Chris felt a calling from God, so after his discharge he entered the Free Gospel Bible Institute in Export, PA graduating in 1991 as a minister of Christ.

With his new bride in hand, Chris moved back to Texas in 1993 and the two established a loving home in Taylor. He worked for 10 years with the Texas Department of Health. Wanting to work closer to Taylor he worked eight years as a bus driver with Taylor ISD as well as a security guard at ERCOT and later with Andrews Security, International. While working, he continued his dedicated vocation of teaching and preaching the gospel message through Word and song and traveled extensively spreading the light to the world.

He enjoyed traveling, singing, and the Texas Longhorns, but he took special pleasure in being an uncle. He was an amazing uncle and would never pass up a chance to play football, baseball, or basketball. He often set up Wii bowling or football tournaments with his nieces and nephews and played endless hours of Risk as well.

He is survived by his wife, Teresa; his parents, Edward & Lillie Vanek; his sisters and their families, Lillie & Ronnie Lawler with children Steven and Crystal of Taylor; Mary & Joseph Kalapach of Lago Vista; and Monica & Arnie Bielss with children Stephanie, Zachary, Matthew and Timothy of Temple.

Chris continued his lifetime of giving by donating his organs so that strangers might live better lives.

Funeral arrangements are being handled by Providence Funeral Home in Taylor. Visitation will be 7-9 pm Thursday, July 19, 2012 at Jerusalem Pentecostal Church 908 E. Walnut St., Taylor. The funeral will be held at 10:00 am on Saturday, July 21st at the funeral home; burial will follow at Taylor City Cemetery.

Pallbearers are Arnie Bielss, Joseph Kalapach, Jonathan Knapek, Jerry Koehler, Steven Lawler, and Chris Wilkins.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Texas Organ Sharing Alliance (TOSA) – Northern Region or to Redeeming Africa. Links to both will be on the Providence website.

http://www.txorgansharing.org/contact.php

Redeeming Africa
c/o Gabriel Ngulutu
P. O. Box 10545
Virginia Beach, VA 23450