Donnie Ray “Yogi” Mladenka, 82, of Garland (formerly of Waco), passed away Saturday, February 4, 2017 at his home after a long battle with Leukemia.

Rosary and Mass of Christian Burial will begin at 9:45 a.m. on Saturday, February 11, 2017 at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Elk. Burial will follow at SPJST Pavelka Cemetery.

Visitation will be Friday, February 10, 2017 at OakCrest Funeral Home from 5:00pm until 7:00pm.

Donnie Ray was born on a farm in Elk, Texas on July 3, 1934, just outside of Waco to Leon and Martha Mladenka. Donnie attended Elk schools and graduated from Axtell High School at the age of 16, where he lettered in track, football and baseball. Donnie, when not farming, worked as a bookkeeper at the Elk Cotton Gin.

Donnie began his professional career as a teller at Citizens National Bank in Waco. “Bankers Hours” caused him to just miss the 1953 tornado that devastated the block next door. As a teller, Donnie met Arlene Vitek and the two were married November 24, 1956.

Shortly after beginning married life, Donnie received a draft notice into the U.S. Army, which ultimately took him to post-war Germany where he worked in the office of intelligence. After he was honorably discharged, Donnie returned to Waco where he and Arlene bought a home on Cumberland Ave.

Donnie returned to work at Citizens National Bank, where he was promoted to the data processing department. He received his associate’s degree in computer data processing from McLennan Community College in 1976. Donnie was involved in bringing one of the first ATM’s to Waco – “Teller 24” – ATM machines which were installed to great fanfare in the parking lots of the Lake Air Mall and Westview Village. Donnie was later promoted to Senior Vice President, and after numerous mergers, was still with the bank as it was merged into what is now Bank of America. He retired as Executive Vice-President from Bank of America after over 50 years in banking and data processing.

His favorite sport was baseball, and spent his Sunday afternoons after church playing for the Elk team. Donnie continued to play softball well into his 40’s and coached his son. He umpired baseball and softball around Waco for many years. He was also an avid golfer and was a member of Lake Waco Country Club and Ridgewood Country Club. He participated in the annual “Duck Butter Open” golf trip to Rancho Viejo for over 20 years with his golf buddies.

Donnie was also a long time member of the Waco Jaycee’s, and was on the board of management for the Waco Family YMCA.

He was known to many as “Yogi” for his resemblance to baseball legend Yogi Berra. He had a contagious personality and was loved by everyone who knew him. He was kind, generous and could talk to anyone.
Donnie is survived by Arlene Mladenka; children Mark Mladenka and wife Cristina of Garland; and Matt Mladenka and wife Sarah of The Colony; and four granddaughters: Antonella Mladenka, Gabriella Mladenka, Sophia Mladenka and Eloise Mladenka; sister, May Dell Sulak of Houston, and her sons, Jeffrey Sulak and Jason Sulak and his wife, Debbie of Colleyville; and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.

The family expresses sincere appreciation for the excellent care given to Donnie by the staff of Baylor Scott & White Medical Center Plano.