William Jancik Jr.

William “Will” Edward Jancik, Jr., known to many as “Poopsie”, passed away on Monday, August 16, 2021, at his home in Caldwell, Tx. Will was 79 years old.

A public visitation will be held from 6–8pm on Wednesday, August 18, 2021, at Strickland Funeral Home in Caldwell, TX. A graveside service will be held Thursday, August 19, 2021, at 10am at Caldwell Masonic Cemetery. Masks are not required but recommended for the safety of others.

William was born to W.E. Jancik, Sr. and Tillie Courtney Jancik. Will was born in his parents’ home in downtown Caldwell on November 24, 1941.

In 1966, William graduated from Sam Houston State University in Huntsville, Texas with a BBA. His business degree and natural artistic abilities paired perfectly to create a respected business resulting in generations of happy customers.

Will married Claudine Stephens on June 5, 1966. They had two children Allen, and Andrea. Will was a loving and devoted husband and father. He will be remembered by most as a sweet soul with a giving spirit and ready smile.

In 1974, he and his wife, Claudine, bought the family business and made it their own. For over 50 years, Will and Claudine worked side-by-side at Corner Drug and Jewelry which was later renamed Jewelry Corner. As a certified jeweler, Will was known for quick service and an in-depth knowledge of jewelry repair, stone setting and for many, the only person in town to put in a watch battery. Together, Will and Claudine built a thriving business and enjoyed visiting with their many loyal customers over the years.

Always ready to help others, Will was a boy scout and lifeguard, as a teenager, saving 2 lives. As a young adult, he was a member of the Caldwell Volunteer Fire Department. As a merchant, Will often did his utmost to help those less fortunate; his daily goal was to do at least one good deed per day, meaning that he would do at least one free jewelry job each day. For years, Caldwell hospitals and the nursing home relied on Will to deliver medications day or night. With never a complaint nor sullen mood, He often spent extra time visiting and entertaining people in those facilities.

Will was born into a musical family with roots in music as far back as the 18th century, in Prague, Czech Republic. In Burleson County, Will’s Great-Grandfather, Grandfather, Father and Aunt, all provided music, playing various instruments in local bands. Will started in his first band while still in high school. Throughout his life, he played trumpet and keyboard, and was an accomplished vocalist, often with his friend Ronnie Herrmann. Many in this community have danced and sang along with Will, as a part of their life’s tapestry played out at benefits, weddings, fundraisers, birthday, and holiday parties. Will would proudly accept a request to donate his musical talents to help anyone who needed it.

William was preceded in death by his parents, a sister Shirley Jancik Stahl, and a brother George Jancik.

William is survived by his wife, Claudine Mae Stephens Jancik, son Allen Jancik and partner Jay Caddel, of Caldwell, a daughter, Andrea Smith and son-in-law, Chad Smith of Buda, TX.

William is also survived by a sister-in-law Barbara Jancik, of Caldwell and Brother and Sister-in-law Ron and Janis Meyer of Runaway Bay, TX.

Other surviving family members include niece Sharon Stahl Archibeque of Jefferson City, MO; niece Cathy Jancik Muzny and husband John Muzny of Caldwell; nephew G.W. and wife Stephanie Jancik, Jr. of Caldwell, TX; nephew Randall Stephens and wife Vanessa of Mexia,TX; niece Dawn Stephens Richardson, of Teague, TX; nephew Jeremy Stephens & wife Stacey of Denton, TX; nephew Michael Meyer and Reba, of Lafayette TN; nephew Aaron Meyer and wife Gretchen of Fort Worth, TX; and many great-nieces and nephews.

Serving as Pall Bearers will be GW Jancik, Dale Mott, Jeremy Stephens, Ronnie Herrmann, Johnny Towslee, and Ben Wolz.

Serving as Honorary Pall bearers will be Wayne Wolz, Larry Bills, and Walter Roskey.