Michael Martin Vitek

Michael “Mike” Martin Vitek, 74, of West Columbia, TX, passed away on Saturday, November 22, 2025, surrounded by loving family. He was born on June 9, 1951, in Wharton, TX, to Libert and Patricia Vitek. Mike grew up in Brazoria, TX, and attended Columbia High School, graduating in 1969. Following high school, he attended Wharton County Junior College and completed his degree at Sam Houston State University. He graduated in 1974 with a Bachelor of Arts in Teaching.

Mike began working at an early age at Lawrence’s gas station in Brazoria.. He worked his way through college at Clemens Unit in Brazoria and the Walls Unit in Huntsville. In 1975, Mike started a successful 38-year career at Schenectady International before retiring in March of 2012.

Mike met Juanita Pate on July 17, 1970, at Surfside Beach, and they married on January 8, 1972. They have three children: Haley and Steven Rod, Mandy and Charles Hobbs, and Michael and Emily Vitek. Mike was also “Gramps” to Avery and John Brockman, Will Hobbs, Kenna and Jonathan Salazar, Kyler Rod, Teague Prewit, and Lane Vitek.

Some of Mike’s favorite things to do were watching his children and grandchildren play sports, as he was always one of their steadfast fans. He also enjoyed fishing, hunting, and visiting the casinos. Mike loved the beach and traveling with Juanita and the family. He enjoyed spending time on his back porch and listening to a wide variety of music.

Mike was very resourceful and contracted and built five homes for his family over a span of many years. In addition, Mike volunteered his time to several organizations, including the CEMS Board, ESD Board, and organizations as a member of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Brazoria, TX.

Mike was a man of integrity. He loved his family, God, and his country.

He was preceded in death by an angel baby in 1979, his parents, Libert and Patricia Vitek, his in-laws, Howard and Milo Pate, and his brother-in-laws, Howard Smith, Fred Pate, Joe Pate, Kip Strid, and Don Russell.

In addition to his wife, children, and grandchildren, he is survived by his siblings: Sharon & Gene Hardwick, Jerry Vitek and Shandace Spencer, Robbie Smith, Kevin and Terry Vitek, Milissa Vitek and Troy Lawrence, as well as sister-in-laws Sarah Russell and Betty Strid. A large circle of extended family and friends will also miss him.

At St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Brazoria, TX. a visitation will be held on Tuesday, November 25, 2025 from 5:00-6:30 p.m. with a Rosary to follow. Funeral mass will be held on Wednesday, November 26, 2025 at 10:00 a.m. Graveside services will be held at Brazoria Cemetery at a later date.