Imogene Machotka

ODESSA Imogene Akin Machotka, 99, a longtime Odessa resident, went to be with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Friday, May 20, 2011, at a nursing home in Ballinger, Texas, with her daughter Carla Massingill by her side.

A memorial service is scheduled for 7 p.m. Thursday, May 26, 2011, at First Baptist Church in Odessa, Texas, with Harlan Hall officiating and Mary Hall assisting. Funeral arrangements are by Frank W. Wilson Funeral Directors. A public viewing is scheduled for 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home.

Imogene was the daughter of Carl and Pearl Akin, and was born Aug. 13, 1911, in Odessa. She grew up in a house on the northwest corner of Seventh Street and Grant Avenue, known as the fifth house on main before there were street numbers. Her dad had come to Odessa as a teenager with his parents in 1896 and he later became the county clerk in November 1918 and served until November 1944.

Imogene grew up with two parents who had a deep faith, love and trust in God and helped found First Baptist Church in Odessa, which was also a very big part of her life. She came to know Christ at a young age. As Imogene’s faith grew and she watched the example of the founding pioneers of the church overcome obstacles through prayer, she became aware of places she could serve her Lord in the church as well. She understood that the church is not a place, but the people, and Imogene was active in many areas. She served by playing the piano at Vacation Bible School and in children’s Sunday School as well as singing for many years in the Chancel Choir. She was also well known for the cookies and ice cream she would frequently bring to church.

In her later years when she was homebound, she would always ask how the church was doing. At the time of her death, she was the oldest and longest living member of First Baptist Church.

Imogene graduated from Odessa High School in 1928, a year ahead of her class. Her mother wanted her and her older sister, Onita Ruth Akin, to go off to college together, so Imogene took extra classes so she could graduate in 10 years instead of the normal 11 years at that time. When Imogene was 98, she had the honor of being recognized in September 2009 as being the oldest graduate present at the OHS Centennial Celebration and she was delighted to be in the parade.

She met her husband, Slavomir Machotka, known as Slav, in Odessa and they married on Oct. 20, 1932, and they enjoyed 65 years together. During their early years of marriage, they lived in Rowena near his parents’ farm and later moved back to Odessa. During World War II, Imogene worked on the draft board in Odessa but resigned to join Slav who was serving as a radio operator in the U.S. Army. Later on, she would work as a clerk for the tax office and the school district. After the war, Imogene gave birth to her only child, Carla Machotka Massingill.

She lived to see the birth of her two great-grandchildren, who affectionately called her Gigi, and she was always happy to see them.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Carl and Pearl Akin; sister, Onita Ruth Smith; and husband, Slavomir Machotka.

She is survived by her daughter, Carla Machotka Massingill of Ballinger; grandson, Benjamin Adams and his wife Nichole both of Odessa; two great-grandchildren Braden Adams and Gillian Adams both of Odessa and sons-in-law Bill Adams and Danny Massingill.

The family would like to express thanks to Meals on Wheels of Odessa, Bill Adams for his faithful care and service and the First Baptist Church of Odessa Food Service Ministry.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the FBC Odessa Food Service Ministry or the FBC Odessa Building Fund at 709 N. Lee Ave. Odessa, TX, 79761, and Meals on Wheels of Odessa, 1314 East 54th St., Odessa, TX, 79761.

We love and miss you.