Obituaries

James Richard Polacek

Photo of James Richard Polacek
James Richard Polacek, 74, of Fulton, passed away on Friday, August 19, 2016, at his home surrounded by his family. He was born in Portland, Mo. on August 25, 1941, the son of the late Joe Polacek and the late Opal (Maddox) Polacek. On April 15, 1967, James was united in marriage to Alva Watson in Fulton. She survives his passing. James graduated from Mokane High School in 1959. He worked in construction out of Union 622 and for three years at Fulton State Hospital in the Biggs Unit. He retired from the Fulton Fire Department after 33 years of service. Of those years, he spent 28 as a Captain. In his spare time, he liked to hunt and fish. Traveling with his family was a source of great joy and created many fond memories. James was a member of the Reform Church of God (Holiness). Along with his wife of 49 years, James will be missed by sons, Tim Polacek of Fulton, James Polacek Jr. (Sara) of Columbia, and Darrin Polacek (Ashley) of Bartow, Fla.; sisters, Lillie Branch of Fulton, Betty Harms (Gene) of Belton, Merl Goff of Holts Summit, and Myrtle Gibbs (Kenneth) of Columbia; grandchildren, Justis Leach, Journey Polacek, and Finley Polacek, of Columbia, McKenna Polacek and Hailey Polacek of Bartow, Fla.; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Oscar Polacek; sisters, Marjoria Benskin and Velma Ellsworth; brothers-in-law, Carl Goff and John Ellsworth; and sister-in-law, Barbara Watson. Funeral services will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Monday, August 22, 2016, at Maupin Funeral Home in Fulton with Reverend Dennis West and Reverend Gary Garriott officiating. The family will receive friends from 11:00 a.m. until the time of service at the funeral home. Interment will be in Pleasant Hill Cemetery in Portland. Memorial donations are suggested to American Cancer Association, American Heart Association or Boone Hospice, c/o Maupin Funeral Home, 301 Douglas Boulevard, Fulton, MO 65251. Condolences may be left for the family at maupinfuneralhome.com.

Published August 21, 2016