Robert Chester Antczak

First Sergeant Robert C. Antczak, US Army, (Ret.) died October 20, 2017 at home in Bulverde, Texas, at the age of 81. He was born January 15, 1936 in Chicago, Illinois to the late Chester and Aurelia Antczak.

After graduating from Chicago Vocational High School, “Bob” was intent on joining the Army. Needing a waiver signed by his parents, Bob enlisted at the age of 17 and held numerous high level billets. His career highlights include; serving during the Korean War, Jump School Instructor at West Point Military Academy and serving three combat tours during the Vietnam War. Bob survived his helicopter being shot down in Vietnam and subsequently becoming a Prisoner of War, escaping the enemy camp after three arduous days. Bob’s top awards include the Distinguished Flying Cross, Bronze Star Medal with 2 bronze oak leaf clusters, Purple Heart and Army Commendation Medal. These are a few of the awards he received during his 20 years of military service.

After retirement from the Army, Bob moved to San Antonio working as an investigator for Texas Industrial Surveys, Inc., a security company. In 1980 he purchased the company and it flourished until he sold it when he was ready to retire.

Bass fishing and working with the VFW became Bob’s passions after retirement. He joined Post 8541 and held offices at the local and district levels.

Survivors include his wife of 42 years, Sheron; daughter Christy Harless and husband Mark; grandchildren, Shelby Wilson, Sydney and Trey Wallace, great-granddaughter Olivia Wilson-Chavez; son Master Sergeant Robert B. Antczak, USMC, and wife Sarah; grandchildren, Bryan, Jason and Gunner Antczak, Keadan and Addison Haycraft; sister Jean Jarovsky, nephews John, Ronald and Donald Radowski and their children and grandchildren. Bob is also survived by son Allen Antczak; granddaughters Sarah Hinn and Lisa Antczak, great-grandson Thacher; daughter Tracy Olson; grandchildren Devin and Corbin Olson. Bob was preceded in death by his son Michael Robert Antczak.

A memorial service will be held at Northwood Presbyterian Church, 518 Pike Place, San Antonio, TX 78209; at 10:30 am on Thursday, November 2. The graveside service will be at 1:45 pm at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Northwood Presbyterian Church or to VFW Post 8541, 2222 Austin Hwy, San Antonio, TX 78218.