"Polock" Raymond Richard Czerniak

 “Polock” Raymond Richard Czerniak

                “Polock” Raymond Richard Czerniak, of Amorita, Oklahoma, passed away Tuesday, May 21, 2024 at Ascension Via Christi St. Francis Hospital in Wichita, Kansas.  He was 81 years old.

                Polock was born on July 16, 1942, in Omaha, Nebraska to Victor and Virginia Czerniak.  Growing up, he was so very proud of his Polish heritage.  He developed a passion for riding motorcycles, a passion that never went away.  He was a truck driver by trade.  He worked for various companies and individuals, such as Young and Cooper out of Wichita, Kansas, Ross Kasparek, for whom dad hauled cattle, and Magill Truck Lines and SMX, both out of Medicine Lodge, Kansas.  Dad’s CB handle was Polock. And to this day, that’s the only name so many people know this man as.  He was so proud of being called Polock, telling people that, “I are one.”

                In 1975, Polock met and married my mother, Cheryl Shirley.  They knew each other only about two weeks when they decided to get married and were married 25 years before getting divorced.   Being divorced did not stop the relationship that my parents had.  Anytime my dad had any type of health issues, my mom was always right there to nurse him back to health.  On December 31, 2016, my parents remarried at the Manchester Bar that was owned at the time by one of my dad’s closest friends, the late John Cutright, located in Manchester surrounded by family and many, many friends.  

                Anyone who knew Polock, quickly discovered that he was definitely one of a kind.  He never knew a stranger and would give the shirt off his back to help anyone in need. He loved to ride motorcycles and drink with his buddies.  He was very loyal to his friends and would do anything for them in a heartbeat.  

                Dad held many Easter Egg Hunts at his home.  It was a great turnout every time!  Dad started the whole Santa Claus at Christmas.  Every year around Christmas, kids from all over the area, would travel to the Amorita-Byron area to see Santa!  Even when it wasn’t Christmas time, he would see kids who would just stare at him thinking he was actually Santa.  Dad would totally play that out telling kids how he was always keeping an eye on them to make sure if they were good or bad.  They believed him.  Dad loved bringing joy to others!  

                Anyone who knew this man was getting more than they bargained for.  He was a very onery man, but always in a good way.   He was always telling stories and being entertaining.  Dad held a few different tattoo parties, where those who showed up would partake of food, drink and a definite good time.  

                On February 5, 2007 Polock became a member of the American Legion Post #69.  He was so honored and proud to be a part of this group.

                Polock is survived by his wife, Cheryl Czerniak of Amorita, Oklahoma; his daughter, Kristina Czerniak; his honorary son, Troy Roach (the big guy) of Kiowa, Kansas; his sister, Jackie Dinse (Dale) of Lake Alfred, Florida; his nieces, Monica Whitehurst (Brian) and  Cindy Merchant; nephew, Victor Raymond Pruett; grandsons, Chance Czerniak (Jessica) of Alva, Oklahoma, Brayden Thomas of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, and Zachary Thomas of Alva, Oklahoma.

                Polock is preceded in death by his parents, Vic and Virginia Czerniak; his sister and brother-in-law, Janet and Sid Pruett; his daughter, Anita McGaugh; his stepson, Anthony Shirley, as well as many of his friends.

                We will not be doing a Celebration of Life, but instead a Celebration of Polock.  His Last Ride will be Saturday, June 1, 2024 starting at Dovie’s Bar at 11:00 a.m. and ending at the Manchester Bar.  The Celebration of Polock will take place at 2:00 p.m.  at Donnie and Fran LaBrue’s ponds directly beside the Byron Fish Hatchery.  For those that don’t know where the ponds are, we will have the general areas marked with balloons.  We will be sharing stories of Polock as we sit around remembering the amazing life of this great man.  It will be BYOB for those who wish to partake in memory of Polock.

                Arrangements are by Lanman Funeral Home, Inc, of Kiowa, Kansas.  www.lanmanfuneralhome.com Facebook: Lanman Funeral Home Inc.