Lawrence Sykora

Lawrence Sykora was born on June 28,1922, in Prague, Oklahoma, and departed this life on Sunday, October 18, 2009, in Edmond, Oklahoma, at the age of 87. Lawrence, the son of Emil and Albina (Najvar) Sykora, was a life-long resident of Prague and was very proud of his Czech heritage and Prague’s annual Kolache Festival. Lawrence also proudly served his country with the U.S. Army, 860th Engineering Battalion, in the South Pacific during WWII. Upon his return home, he married Lorraine Rubac on April 22, 1947, at St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church in Prague. They owned and operated the Sooner Caf from 1946 to 1955 and Sykora’s Grocery from 1955 to 1980 as well as being active in many church and civic organizations. Lawrence was a member of the Chamber of Commerce and served on the Prague City Council. He was an active member of St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church and the American Legion for more than 50 years. Following their retirement they enjoyed traveling and volunteering as members of the Prague Historical Society. Lawrence and Lorraine were honored to receive the Prague Chamber of Commerce 2004 Lifetime Achievement Award. They later moved to Edmond in 2005 to be closer to their family. Their grandchildren were a blessing to Lawrence and were always able to bring a smile to his face. Lawrence was preceded in death by his parents and three brothers. He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Lorraine Sykora and their children, grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. Daughter and son-in-law, Rogene and Laird Hughes and their daughters Nicole and Tiffany Hughes of Edmond; son Ron Sykora of Edmond and daughters Micah Perkins and Kara Sykora; son and daughter-in-law Rick and Dana Sykora and their children Ashley and Austin Sykora of Edmond.