Clarence Vinklarek

Clarence Leon Vinklarek passed away peacefully on the evening of April 20, 2024 in Smithville, Texas. Clarence was born on October 20, 1938 in his Grandparents’ farmhouse in Kovar, Texas to Vencil and Mary Vinklarek. He was the oldest of nine children.

Growing up in the Kovar area, Clarence attended school in Smithville, where he graduated in 1956. After high school, he briefly attended and played football at Allen Military Academy before returning home to be with his sweetheart Betty Meyer of Bastrop. Clarence and Betty were married in 1958 and resided in Austin, where they had their four children – Paul, Tamara, Steven and Michael.

After starting up a successful construction company, Clarence moved the family back to Bastrop County where he and Betty raised their children. He operated his company and worked in the utility construction industry for the next 40 years. During that time, he enjoyed being part of and leading many professional and community organizations, as well as serving as a member of Bastrop’s School Board while all of his children were in school. He was a devout Catholic and instilled his faith and beliefs into each of his childrens’ lives.

Clarence is survived by his wife Betty and their children Paul, Tamara and Robert Frerich, Steven and Paula, and Michael and Dawn. He is survived by his grandchildren Katie and Jason Karnstadt, Amanda and Carson Brantley, Craig and Leanne, Cale and Destiny, Madison and Zach Moore, Cody and Alli, Clay, and Carlie. He is survived by his great grandchildren Michaela, Curtis, Claire, Sullivan, Nora, Whitaker, and Arlo. He is also survived by his siblings Tony, Marilyn, Glenn, Harvey, and Vence.

Clarence was preceded in death by his parents Vencil and Mary, and siblings Jerome, James, and Larry.

Visitation will be at Marrs Jones Newby Funeral Home from 5:00pm to 7:00pm on Tuesday, April 23, 2024, followed by the recitation of the Holy Rosary. The funeral home is located at 505 Old Austin Highway in Bastrop. 

The funeral Mass and burial will be at Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church at 10:00am on Wednesday, April 24, 2024. The church is located at 310 Stolle Lane in Kovar.

The family invites you to join them for food and fellowship at the Kovar SPJST Hall immediately following the services.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a contribution to the Alzheimer’s Association or any other charity of your choice.