Roll Call Tribute

Brian Robert Vasek
November 18, 1966 - May 11, 2022

Brian Robert Vasek, 55, of Waco unexpectedly, passed away on May 11, 2022. A Celebration of Life will be Friday, May 20, 2022 at The Waco Lion’s Den, 1716 N.42nd Street. The family will receive guests from 2:00-6:00 pm.

Brian was born November 18, 1966 in Waco, Tx. As the youngest of eight he instantly became everyone’s favorite and quickly became known as “Butch”. Butch graduated from Jefferson-Moore High School in 1985 where he lettered in football. He then attended Texas A&M University where he graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Biology in 1990 and ultimately earned a master’s degree in Educational Administration from Tarleton University in 2002.

Butch followed in his parents’ footsteps and became an educator, where he gained the respect of his colleagues and students. Like his father, he loved athletics and became a coach where he taught his players the values of teamwork and sportsmanship and always had a soft spot for troubled kids. For 30 years Butch was a mentor, teacher, administrator, and coach in several local districts including Waco ISD, Midway ISD, Bosqueville ISD and TJJD. He was a respected leader in his field, a two-time Regional Assistant Principal of the Year winner and a state finalist for Assistant Principal of the year in 2015.

Butch married his high school sweetheart Dae Patterson on May 18, 1991 and soon became a father to a son Dustin and daughter Cara. He was so proud of the young adults they have become and loved them more than they will ever know.

Butch was a leader, strong man, a gentle giant, no one was a stranger to him, he treated everyone as a friend. He was fun to be with, the life of the party but also there was a calming demeanor about him that could put anyone at ease. He was a BBQ pitmaster, loved cooking for his family and friends often catering special occasions and holiday dinners. He was a positive influence on his family, friends, students and fellow educators. Butch loved being surrounded by family and friends. His attitude towards life was to live life at its fullest and he did. He was honest, truthful, compassionate, big hearted and brave. He was Butch, and we loved him.

He was preceded in death by brother Steven, sisters Karen Layne and Victoria and father John Vasek.

He is survived by wife Dae, children Dustin and Cara, mother Joan Rectenwald, brothers Paul, Mark and wife Mary, Austin and sister Adrian. Nieces, nephews, great niece and nephews, and numerous cousins and mother-in-law, Cara Jay Patterson.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to Mentoring Alliance, 2700 N. 21st Street Waco, Texas 76708