YOAKUM: Ronald James Adamek, of Yoakum, Texas, was born on November 30, 1959, to Gilbert and Agnes (Jemelka) Adamek. He passed away on November 23, 2025 surrounded by his loved ones, after courageously battling complications from a double lung transplant he received in mid-September.
Ronnie married the love of his life, Maurine Reynolds, on August 8, 1981. He was a proud 1978 graduate of Yoakum High School and went on to earn his degree from Southwest Texas State University in 1982. He spent 31 dedicated years in the cattle industry before retiring and currently served as a Director of Crossroads Bank, a role he took great pride in for the past 25 years. A man of deep faith and service, Ronnie was a Fourth Degree member of the Knights of Columbus and a devoted member of St. Ann’s Catholic Church. Ronnie was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather. His greatest joys in life were simple and heartfelt—spending time in his beloved Biergarten, planting pecan trees, tending to his yard and flowers, and watching sunsets with his wife. He loved fishing trips to Rockport with Maurine and friends, and he deeply cherished every moment with his grandchildren, especially teaching them how to fish, hunt, and carry on his secret family recipes.
Ronnie is survived by his loving wife of 44 years, Maurine; his three daughters, Jennifer Kifer (Kris), Kristen Schley (the late Travis Schley), and Lauren Adamek (fiancé Justin Cowan); and his twelve treasured grandchildren. He is also survived by his siblings: brothers Alan (Cheryl Whitley), Kenneth (Lorrie), and Gilbert (Janet); and sisters Kay Langford and Nanette DeBord (David)
He was preceded in death by his parents, Gilbert and Agnes Adamek; his little sister, Lynette; and recently, his beloved son-in-law, Travis Schley.
Visitation 4 to 6 p.m. with Rosary recited at 6 p.m., Friday, November 28, 2025 at Thiele-Cooper Funeral Home.
Funeral Mass was held at 10 a.m., Saturday, November 29, 2025 at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Yoakum with Most Rev. Gary Janak, D.D. officiating. Burial to follow at St. Ann’s Catholic Cemetery at Hochheim.
Pallbearers are Gilbert Adamek Jr., Kenneth Adamek, Alan Adamek, Jason Adamek, Kris Kifer and Mark Kimball.
Honorary pallbearers are Bret Mitchell, Billy Goodrich and the Directors of Crossroads Bank.
Memorials may be given to St. Ann Catholic Church for the landscaping. This was Ronnie’s passion and we will continue to make his vision of beauty continue.