Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
FUNERAL HOME
Louis Cmerek Obituary
Louis "Richey" Cmerek
05/12/1954 - 09/20/2025
Louis 'Richey' Cmerek, beloved husband, father, Pop-Pop and friend, lost his hard-fought battle against pancreatic cancer in the early evening hours of September 20th, 2025. He fought until his very last breath, and was able to pass peacefully at home surrounded by his family. He leaves an unfillable void in the lives of his family and friends and will be severely missed by those who were lucky enough to know him.
Richey was born in Austin, Texas, on May 12th, 1954 to Lucille and Louis Cmerek, and he proudly remained a South Austinite all his life. He attended Crockett High School, where he met the love of his life, Lisa. After graduation, Richey began his career as an auto mechanic at Covert, where he worked for several years. Driven by a passion for cars and a determination to build something of his own, he ventured out on his own in 1994. With the help of his lifelong friend and business partner, Matt Carson, the two opened PitStop Auto Repair on South Lamar in 1997-always quick to tell folks it was "across from the Broken Spoke."
Richey married Lisa in 1976 at Bethany Lutheran Church. Together they welcomed their daughter, Brenna, in 1984, followed by their son, Nick, in 1986. Richey always said his kids were his greatest accomplishment, and he never missed a chance to brag about them-whether it was the latest milestone, achievement, or simply something that made him proud. He poured himself into their lives, especially when it came to sports. He coached their teams and even built a baseball diamond, batting cage, and pitching mounds right in their backyard. Richey opened up that yard to other Oak Hill teams too, offering it as a place to practice and play, and before long it became a true gathering spot for the Oak Hill baseball community. Beyond the ballfields, Richey made sure family time was full of adventure-trips to Ruidoso and South Padre Island, and a special road trip with his son to visit baseball ballparks across the country.
When Richey sold and retired from PitStop, there was never a shortage of things to keep him busy. Never one to sit still, he filled his days helping his kids remodel or fix things around their homes, taking memorable trips to Alaska with Butch and Nathan, or simply spending time with his grandchildren. Richey kept his life full by surrounding himself with the people he loved and diving into the projects and adventures that brought him joy.
Richey and Lisa lived in the same home for more than 40 years, turning it into an oasis for both kids and adults. The door was always open, with Richey ready to welcome people-often with a 'Richey-Rita' in one hand and a stack of washers in the other. He genuinely loved life and always knew how to have fun. Whatever he took on, he gave it 110%. You could always count on him to lend a helping hand to family, friends, and neighbors, and there wasn't much he couldn't fix-whether it was a car, a project around the house, or simply making someone's day a little brighter. Richey never knew a stranger; he had a way of making everyone feel welcome. Around Austin, it was impossible for him to go anywhere without running into someone he knew. And with his big voice carrying across a room-or even from a mile away-there was no mistaking when Richey had arrived.
Richey and Lisa were married for 49 years, a true partnership built on love, laughter, and perseverance. Their marriage was real-they fought at times, they laughed often, and through it all they were always on the same team. Even in the difficult seasons, they stood by each other, and at the end of the day they could still make each other laugh and find joy in the life they built together. Over the years, they created not only a beautiful family but also a community of friends and loved ones who were drawn to their warmth and the home they made together.
A special thank you to Dr. Chadha and the full staff at Texas Oncology for their compassionate care as he went through the brutal chemotherapy treatments. The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to Hospice Austin, whose compassion and care brought Richey comfort in his final days. Their guidance and support helped him remain at home surrounded by love. We will forever be thankful for the dignity, grace, and kindness they provided to Richey and our family.
Richey is survived by his loving wife, Lisa Cmerek; daughter Brenna and son-in-law Nick along with their children, grandson Quinn and granddaughter Birdie; son Nick and his partner, Daniel; and numerous nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends, all who will miss him dearly.
Services to be held October 10th at Cook-Walden/Forest Oaks Funeral Home. Visitation will be from 1:00 – 2:00pm, with service to immediately follow. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in his memory to Hospice Austin.
05/12/1954 - 09/20/2025
Louis 'Richey' Cmerek, beloved husband, father, Pop-Pop and friend, lost his hard-fought battle against pancreatic cancer in the early evening hours of September 20th, 2025. He fought until his very last breath, and was able to pass peacefully at home surrounded by his family. He leaves an unfillable void in the lives of his family and friends and will be severely missed by those who were lucky enough to know him.
Richey was born in Austin, Texas, on May 12th, 1954 to Lucille and Louis Cmerek, and he proudly remained a South Austinite all his life. He attended Crockett High School, where he met the love of his life, Lisa. After graduation, Richey began his career as an auto mechanic at Covert, where he worked for several years. Driven by a passion for cars and a determination to build something of his own, he ventured out on his own in 1994. With the help of his lifelong friend and business partner, Matt Carson, the two opened PitStop Auto Repair on South Lamar in 1997-always quick to tell folks it was "across from the Broken Spoke."
Richey married Lisa in 1976 at Bethany Lutheran Church. Together they welcomed their daughter, Brenna, in 1984, followed by their son, Nick, in 1986. Richey always said his kids were his greatest accomplishment, and he never missed a chance to brag about them-whether it was the latest milestone, achievement, or simply something that made him proud. He poured himself into their lives, especially when it came to sports. He coached their teams and even built a baseball diamond, batting cage, and pitching mounds right in their backyard. Richey opened up that yard to other Oak Hill teams too, offering it as a place to practice and play, and before long it became a true gathering spot for the Oak Hill baseball community. Beyond the ballfields, Richey made sure family time was full of adventure-trips to Ruidoso and South Padre Island, and a special road trip with his son to visit baseball ballparks across the country.
When Richey sold and retired from PitStop, there was never a shortage of things to keep him busy. Never one to sit still, he filled his days helping his kids remodel or fix things around their homes, taking memorable trips to Alaska with Butch and Nathan, or simply spending time with his grandchildren. Richey kept his life full by surrounding himself with the people he loved and diving into the projects and adventures that brought him joy.
Richey and Lisa lived in the same home for more than 40 years, turning it into an oasis for both kids and adults. The door was always open, with Richey ready to welcome people-often with a 'Richey-Rita' in one hand and a stack of washers in the other. He genuinely loved life and always knew how to have fun. Whatever he took on, he gave it 110%. You could always count on him to lend a helping hand to family, friends, and neighbors, and there wasn't much he couldn't fix-whether it was a car, a project around the house, or simply making someone's day a little brighter. Richey never knew a stranger; he had a way of making everyone feel welcome. Around Austin, it was impossible for him to go anywhere without running into someone he knew. And with his big voice carrying across a room-or even from a mile away-there was no mistaking when Richey had arrived.
Richey and Lisa were married for 49 years, a true partnership built on love, laughter, and perseverance. Their marriage was real-they fought at times, they laughed often, and through it all they were always on the same team. Even in the difficult seasons, they stood by each other, and at the end of the day they could still make each other laugh and find joy in the life they built together. Over the years, they created not only a beautiful family but also a community of friends and loved ones who were drawn to their warmth and the home they made together.
A special thank you to Dr. Chadha and the full staff at Texas Oncology for their compassionate care as he went through the brutal chemotherapy treatments. The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to Hospice Austin, whose compassion and care brought Richey comfort in his final days. Their guidance and support helped him remain at home surrounded by love. We will forever be thankful for the dignity, grace, and kindness they provided to Richey and our family.
Richey is survived by his loving wife, Lisa Cmerek; daughter Brenna and son-in-law Nick along with their children, grandson Quinn and granddaughter Birdie; son Nick and his partner, Daniel; and numerous nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends, all who will miss him dearly.
Services to be held October 10th at Cook-Walden/Forest Oaks Funeral Home. Visitation will be from 1:00 – 2:00pm, with service to immediately follow. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in his memory to Hospice Austin.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Published by Austin American-Statesman from Oct. 2 to Oct. 6, 2025.
Memories and Condolences
for Louis Cmerek
Sponsored by Cook-Walden/Forest Oaks Funeral Home and Memorial Park.
0 Entries
Be the first to post a memory or condolences.
Make a Donation
in Louis Cmerek's name
Memorial Events
for Louis Cmerek
Oct
10
Funeral services provided by:
Cook-Walden/Forest Oaks Funeral Home and Memorial Park6300 West William Cannon Drive, Austin, TX 78749
How to support Louis's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read more
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreWays to honor Louis Cmerek's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
