Joey Vavra, 87, of Winner, SD passed away on Friday, July 24, 2015 at the Winner Regional Long Term Care Facility in Winner, SD. Funeral service will be held on Wednesday July 29, 2015 at 1:00PM at the United Methodist Church in Winner. Burial will follow in the Winner City Cemetery. A visitation will be held on Tuesday, July 28, 2015 from 6-7PM with a prayer service beginning at 7:00PM at the Mason Funeral Home in Winner, SD. Joey attended rural schools close to the Colome family farm until his parents moved to Winner, SD. He graduated from Winner High School and went to Mitchell Business School in Mitchell, SD where he received a degree in business. Joey went to work at the Winner Cold Storage and a Winner Gas Station where he worked in the office. Joey joined the United States Army and was stationed at various bases around the country during the Korean War Conflict and was honorably discharged in February 1953. He worked in the mail department which led to a job for the US Post Office in Winner where he worked for 35 years. Joey first worked as a mail carrier and later as a clerk. He was well-liked by his patrons and co-workers. Joey was an active and lifetime member of the American Legion, VFW and the Elks Club. For many years Joey marched in the Labor Day Parade. He also served as Commander of the American Legion and was Grand Marshall for the Labor Day Parade. Joey was care taker for his father for many years until his father passed away. Joey liked to read and was a stamp and coin collector. He was an avid sports fan, he also enjoyed car races and listening to the local school ball games on his radio. Joey enjoyed traveling when he was younger, a highlight for him was to see a Viking's game in Minneapolis. Joey occupied his free time with his dog Snoopy, his vegetable and flower garden, his farm, farm animals, listening to Bohemian music, and spending time with his family and friends. Joey was a kind, giving, and warm-hearted man. He always had a warm smile and hello for everyone that made them feel special and wonderful. Joey was preceded in death by his parents Martin and Mary Vavra; sisters Betty Vavra and Lillian Varilek; brother-in-law George Varilek; brothers Edward Vavra and George Vavra; niece Joan Smith; grandniece Denice Gish; grandnephew James Varilek; nephews Lindy Gish, Wayne Musilek and Dennis Smith. Joey is survived by his sister Ethel Vavra; nephews Martin Varilek, Leroy (Sheila) Varilek, James (Martha) Pajl; nieces Marilyn Gish, Betty Musilek, Karen (Dennis) Burdick and Janet Whittaker; numerous grandnephews, grandnieces, 2 great-great grand nephews, cousins and friends. In lieu of flowers the family will be directing memorials to the Winner American Legion, Winner Hospice and or the American Cancer Society.