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United States Pilots Association |
Many of you have met my father, Stanley Sykora. Therefore, I feel you would want to be advised that he passed away early this morning at age 98 at Tablerock Healthcare Nursing Home in Kimberling City, MO.
After a wonderful January fishing trip at our dear friends Joe and Lois Phelan’s home in Lafitte, LA, (Joe is a USPA member), which included Dad’s first time at a Mardi Gras parade (he was loaded down with beads!), he suffered a stroke on Feburary 11, spent one month in the hospital, and went from there directly to the nursing home. It was gradual decline nearly the whole time, and his passing finally became a blessing. I’ll forever be grateful to the Phelans for being so kind to Dad.
Dad enjoyed getting to know so many of my flying friends, and you were all so thoughtful and kind to him. He especially liked to fly with me and Paul, and had attended several of our flying functions, including an air show and poker run. The one flight he had mixed feelings about, however, was the time he sat in the back of a Cessna 182 while his daughter jumped out near Table Rock Lake. He always said he preferred flying to sky diving!
Attached is Dad’s obituary.
Thank you for whatever kind words you may have said to Dad, and for being my friend.
Jan Hoynacki, Executive Director
United States Pilots Association
Stanley Sykora of Branson, MO, passed away on June 25 at Tablerock Healthcare Nursing Home. He is survived by his daughter, Jeanette Hoynacki, four grandchildren, five great grandchildren, and one great-great grandchild. His wife of 73 years, Rose, passed away in 2002. Stanley was born in Belleville, IL, where his parents immigrated from Czechoslovakia.
Stanley and Rose operated a grocery store in St. Louis until 1964, when they retired and moved to Branson. A champion golfer and bowler, Stanley had collected many trophies through the years. He also loved to fish and play cards. He had served in the U.S. Army.
Under the care of Whelchel Funeral Chapel in Branson, his body will be cremated, and there will be a memorial celebration of his life on July 24.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions to the Humane Society of the Branson Tri-Lakes Area, 102 Washboard Holler Road, Reeds Spring, MO 65737.