James Patrick “Pat” Tlapek took a small auto-parts store in Cape Girardeau and watched it grow into business that spans four states. He also contributed to the community through time and donations throughout his life.

He died Friday at 95 years old.

Tlapek bought Auto Tire and Parts in 1948, when it was one store in Cape Girardeau. Over the years, he expanded, opening a store in Sikeston, Missouri, then adding a parts warehouse. He sold the business to his son John Tlapek in the 1980s, but he remained involved in the company. It has grown to 49 stores in four states with more than 300 employees.

“He was a true leader,” said Mike Himmelberg, co-owner of Auto Tire and Parts alongside Greg Stroup and two of Tlapek’s sons, John and Bob Tlapek. “He took a sleepy parts store and built the entire framework for what it is today.”

“The employees talk about him fondly,” Stroup said.

After Tlapek’s retirement, he continued to be involved in the business. He would work alongside his son John, developing on the growth and strategic plan of the company. His key focus was on inventory, Himmelberg said, ensuring each store had the right parts for its customers.

“He was a very caring and very smart businessman,” John Mehner, president of the Cape Girardeau Area Chamber of Commerce, said. “And he was a tremendous philanthropist.”

Tlapek served on many boards of directors in the region, including the First Federal Savings and Loan of Southeast Missouri, Cape Girardeau Area Chamber of Commerce, Friends of Saint Francis Medical Center and the Foundation.

“He garnered much respect and admiration throughout the Saint Francis family,” Felecia Blanton, director of marketing at Saint Francis Medical Center, said in an email. “He gave of his time and talents to the Saint Francis Foundation for many years, and we are grateful.”

Tlapek sat on the Southeast Missouri State University Board of Regents and served as the board’s president during his term.

He “led the way with community service,” said Jay B. Knudtson, president of Southeast Missouri State University’s board of regents and former Cape Girardeau mayor. “He had such an impact on his employees and customers, and he transferred that into making a difference in the lives of students.”

Knudtson said Tlapek was generous with his time and financial contributions to the university.

In 1989, Tlapek donated the Tlapek General Services Building to the university. Located on South Ellis Street, the facility now houses the university’s Law Enforcement Academy, the Facilities Management paint and wood/construction shop and the Missouri State Highway Patrol’s Crime Lab.

“He was service-minded and humble,” Himmelberg said. “He wanted to see people succeed.”

“He never lost focus on his most important commodity: his people,” Knudtson said.

“He leaves behind a nice legacy,” Greg Stroup said. “One of integrity, service and kindness.”

bbrown@semissourian.com

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