Charles Phillip Svestka

Charles Phillip Svestka, age 92, of Hazen, passed away on Friday, Jan. 21, 2011 at the V.A. Medical Center in Little Rock. He was born on Jan. 6, 1919 to John and Rose Svestka in Memphis, Tenn. Charles served in the Navy as an aircraft mechanic during World War II, stationed in Okinawa. He was a lifelong resident of Hazen, retired lifelong farmer, trucker, staunch Republican and a member of the Lions Club. In retirement, he was a voracious reader, loved traveling, playing dice with family, watch wrestling and making regular trips to the casinos in Mississippi. He is survived by his loving wife of 56 years, Florence Ann Swestka; three children, Vivian Leopold (Mac) of The Colony, Texas, Carol Stallings (Andy) of Hazen, and Greg Svestka of Baton Rouge, La.; six grandchildren and step-grandchildren, Britt Stallings, Andrea Stallings, Jared Swestka, Brian Leopold, Kimberly Kennedy, Sean Leopold, and five step-great-grandchildren and three nephews. Charles was preceded in death by four sisters, Libie Svestka, Barb Scanlon, Vera Swaim, Connie Swestka and a son, Carl Swestka. Funeral services will be 2 p.m., Monday, Jan. 24, 2011 at the First United Methodist Church in Hazen. Memorials may be made to the Hazen First United Methodist Church or the Czech National Cemetery. Westbrook Funeral Home of Hazen is in charge of arrangements.