Anthony David Klima

DIANA: Anthony David Klima rode off into his final sunset in Ore City, Texas, on Wednesday February 8, 2017. By his side was his faithful loving wife, Shirley Mae Klima. This cowboy was born on November 30, 1950 in Taylor, Texas. He lived most of his life in East Texas.

Anthony was retired for fifteen years, but most recently an owner/operator truck driver known over the CB radio as “River bottom Cowboy & Big A”. He was a small chemical plant manager. He was a talented diesel mechanic, heavy equipment operator, and oilfield roughneck. He was a real tough old cowboy and a skilled farmer and rancher. He was an avid outdoorsman who loved hunting and fishing. He was the former President of South Shores Volunteer Fire Department. In fact, there just wasn’t much that Anthony couldn’t or wouldn’t do if he decided it was worth doing. He was a hardworking man who did everything for his family.

He was a deeply loving and devoted husband. Shirley was truly the love of his life and he wanted to please her, annoy her, and subsequently calm her down. Anthony loved his children, and he always knew exactly what to say to ease a troubled mind, heal a weakened spirit, or patch up a broken heart. There was never a time that he didn’t step up and do everything in his power to maintain the wellbeing of his family. In true grandbaby spoiler extraordinaire fashion, Anthony insisted his grandchildren call him whatever they wanted so to them he is “Poppy, Papa, and Papu”. Discipline of his grandbabies was strictly frowned upon in his presence.

Anthony was larger than life in so many ways. His love for people shined everywhere he went. Anthony never met a stranger because when anyone met him, they never forgot him and came away feeling like old friends. He was an excellent storyteller. He told the best jokes, and he loved putting a smile on people’s faces, especially children. He was affectionately known as “The Watermelon Man” in the summertime. Anthony had a multitude of friends, and he felt blessed to have so many people allow him into their lives. He was a good neighbor, and if someone’s car broke down, they knew who to call. There are numerous reports of him being the only mechanic capable of breathing life into very sick automobiles. He would help anyone in need, whether alongside the road or in his backyard. He was a loyal friend. His door was never closed to someone in search of a friendly ear or in need of a helping hand, and family and friends sought his advice for matters of importance both large and small.

Anthony is survived by his wife and best friend Shirley Klima, his sisters Delores and Faye Klima of Nevada, and his step-brothers Carolos and Ed Watson of Corpus Christi. He was incredibly proud of his five children, Genevieve Hesser and her husband Shawn of Round Rock, Amanda Mafood of Longview, Cody Edmondson of Gadsden, Alabama, Paula West and her husband JJ of Ore City, and Kenneth Klima of Ore City. He adored his grandchildren Sebastian, William, Hana, Emerson, Jordan, Reagan, and Ritter. He also has many beloved nieces, nephews, and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents Paul and Augusta Hackemesser, mother Meta Minnie Beck, brother Rudolph Ray Klima, and sister Karen Sue Anderson.

Anthony will always be remembered as a loving husband, father, grandfather, and dear friend whose greatest passion was helping others. His legacy and example will live on in the hearts of the many lives he touched while here on earth.

Memorial services for Anthony David Klima will be Sunday, February 12, 2017 at 2:00 P.M. at Grubbs-Loyd Chapel in Diana with Reverend Donny Sapp officiating. The family will receive visitors at their home in Ore City on Saturday, February 11, 2017 from 3 -6 P.M. and Sunday immediately following the service until 6 P.M.