Harvey Jirasek

Harvey Lee Jirasek, 90 of Waco, went to be with his Lord and Savior February 12, 2022 at Community Hospice of Texas, St. Catherine’s in Waco. Memorial service will be held Thursday, March 3, 2022 at the Waco Memorial Park Mausoleum Chapel.

Harvey is survived by his wife, Virginia Nell Jirasek of Waco; children Bobby Jirasek of Coeur D Alene, ID, Vicky Robinson of Dallas, TX, and Michael Jirasek of Waco, TX; brother James David Jirasek of Pendleton, TX; 9 grandchildren, and 11 great grandchildren with one on the way.

Harvey was born on December 7th, 1931 in Taylor, TX, one of 6 children of Sadie and Hynek Jirasek.

As a boy, Harvey lived in Temple Texas, and graduated from Temple High School in 1949. He had a longtime paper route with Temple Daily Telegram, and he enjoyed hunting and fishing. Harvey married to Virginia Conner in Temple on July 7th, 1954, and he served 4 years in the US Navy.

Upon his discharge from the Navy and with his GI Bill, he attended Midwestern State University. He then continued his education at Texas A&M University obtaining his Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering in 1961.

Harvey’s forty year career began at the Texas Highway Department in Houston, before bringing him back to central Texas working for the City of Temple, and in his own land surveying business.   In 1979 he made the leap to Waco where he became an instructor in the Civil Engineering Department at then Texas State Technical Institute. He taught with hands on experience and was beloved by his students.

After retiring from TSTI in 1987, he continued working with his son Bob at Jirasek Surveying until 1992.

In retirement Harvey never stopped, he and Virginia became House Parents at Mission Waco. They created an environment where they helped mentor men individually, many going on to become productive and successful.

Harvey and Virginia eventually purchased a large Victorian home in Waco where they lived and continued privately helping others in recovery from addictions and loss.  Little did they know then, that in time it would become a part of The Sunshine Recovery House now known as “The Pink Lady.”

Harvey and Nell moved to Stillwell Retirement, in 2014.  He often took coffee breaks at Starbucks where he enjoyed striking conversations with college students. He spent time reading at lake Waco.

In the past few years, Harvey and son Mike shared a special bond spending many afternoons at Starbucks & Denny's where they discussed their mutual love of History & historical places. Harvey always found a new story from his life to share. He is loved and will be missed by those who called him Husband, Daddy, Dad, PawPaw, faithful servant of Christ, and friend.

In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that memorials be made to MissionWaco.org or SunshineRecoveryHouse.com (“The Pink Lady” transition house, Waco, TX.)