RD Pankonien

RD Leslie Pankonien, 88, of Waco, Texas passed away Wednesday, January 1, 2025.

RD was born April 4, 1936 in Falls County to Edward Henry and Ella Pankonien. In his early years he helped on the farm with his family and attended school in Ben Hur, Otto, and Mart. In his later years he worked at General Tire and Rubber Company. After retiring from there, he had a service station, and following that, he and his brother, Louie owned a lawn service.

RD loved hunting, camping, fishing, dancing and playing Skip-Bo and dominoes. He was known for his kind heart and his great personality. When his health began to decline RD moved into Brookdale Retirement Home, and then the Atrium of Bellmead where he spent the past two years. On Sunday, December 29, 2024, RD was admitted to Baylor Scott & White Hillcrest and within 2 days, he was put on hospice. He passed quietly at 2:27 pm on New Years Day.

RD was preceded in death by his parents; his first wife, Barbara Yarborough; second wife, Florine Kuresh; sister, Bertha Broyles; and his brothers, Edwin, Alfred, Bennie, Louie, James, John Ed and Robert Lee Pankonien.

He is survived by a son, Ronnie and one grandson; sisters, Ida Luedke of Hurst, Texas, Ella Mae Neuman of Riesel, Texas, and Helen Guinn and husband, Willie of Bellmead, Texas; as well as numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

The family would like to thank the Atrium of Bellmead, Baylor Scott & White Hillcrest Hospital, the nurses on the 6th floor, and Baylor Scott & White Hospice. Special thanks to Jennifer and Reese from hospice who took care of RD on his last day. The care given to him is greatly appreciated.