Eugene John Voytek

Eugene John Voytek, 80, of Washington, died Saturday, January 24, 2009, in Kade Nursing Home, Washington. He was born August 13, 1928, in Clarksville, the oldest child of John A. and Anna Voytek. Due to his father’s death, Mr. Voytek was forced to quit school at the age of 13 in order to go to work to help bring in money for the family. In 1951, he joined the Army and served with the 43rd Division in Germany, rising to the rank of PFC. Upon his discharge from the Army, he returned to Washington and went to work as a coal miner. After a coal mine accident closed the mine, he became a steelworker at Jessop Steel Company, where he worked for more than 35 years. Mr. Voytek was a member of the Church of the Covenant in Washington, United Steelworkers of America, the VFW, and Edwin Scott Linton Post 175 of the American Legion, where he was past commander twice and served with the firing squad and on the District Staff of the American Legion. Mr. Voytek enjoyed traveling, swimming, dancing, helping others, and, when his children were young, coaching Little League. He especially enjoyed gardening and showing his grandkids how to plant. He loved his family dearly and could always be counted on to help. The world is a dimmer place without him. On April 23, 1954, he married Catherine A. Chambers, who survives. Also surviving are two sons, Richard (Cindy) Voytek of Mountain View, California, and Roger (Cathy) Voytek of Washington; a brother, Albert Voytek of Bryson City, North Carolina; three sisters, Lorraine Antal of Punta Gorda, Florida, Virginia McCormick and Josephine (Jack) Lusk, both of Washington; four grandchildren, Andrew Voytek and Christopher Voytek, both of Glen Burnie, Maryland, Spc. Heather Voytek of Columbia, South Carolina, and Robin Voytek of Washington; one great-grandchild, Rebecca, of Glen Burnie; a sister-in-law, Joan Voytek of Washington; and many nieces and nephews. Deceased is a brother, John Donald (Beans) Voytek. Friends will be received 7 to 9 p.m. Monday and 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Tuesday in William G. Neal Funeral Homes, Ltd., 395 East Maiden Street, Washington, where services will be held at 1 p.m. Wednesday, January 28th. Entombment will follow in Washington Cemetery. Military rites will be accorded graveside by Edwin Scott Linton Post 175 of the American Legion.