Edwin Edward Zapalac
Edwin Edward Zapalac, of Flatonia, died Aug. 16, 2017, of natural causes at 88 years of age. Edwin was born in El Campo on Sept. 11, 1928. He graduated from Corpus Christi College Academy and continued on to receive a Bachelor of Business Administration from North Texas State College (now UNT). Prior to attending college, Edwin enlisted in the US Navy and served for four years primarily sailing in the Asia Pacific region supporting the US effort for the Korean War. Edwin was married to Gretchen H. Krause on Sept. 2, 1956; they were married 60 years. Edwin worked as a Banker for Flatonia State Bank, Central Texas Bank and State Bank for 48 years serving as President for 20 of those years. He enjoyed history and photography. He was also actively involved in his community supporting Flatonia Bulldogs Athletics, FFA and FHA; Chamber of Commerce; Jaycees; American Legion; Knights of Columbus, Texas Bankers Association, Independent Bankers Association of Texas, and he was a founder and was acclaimed to have put the “z” in Flatonia’s annual festival, Czhilispiel. Edwin is survived by his wife, Gretchen; Siblings: Jeanette and her husband Ervan Zouzalik of Flatonia; and Mary Ann and her husband Victor Tichacek of East Bernard; Children: Renee and her husband, Kenneth Pavlica of Flatonia; Beverly and her husband, Kenneth Ponder of Flatonia; Thomas and his wife, Melodye Zapalac of Worcester, Pa.; David Zapalac of San Antonio; and James A. and his wife Melissa Zapalac of Rockport; grandchildren: Coleen and husband Daniel; David and wife Heather; Brandon and wife Melissa; DJ; Dallas and wife Elisabeth; Anne; Karoline; Luke; Zane; Meredith; Ty; Megan and Lilly; Great Grandchildren: Callie, Dylan, Brianna and Austin; and many nephews, nieces other family and friends. Edwin is preceded in death by parents: RD and Ann Zapalac; in-laws, Arthur and Annie Krause; son-in-law, Paul Lippe; daughter-in-law, Rowena Zapalac; and family pet, Charcoal. In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be given to The Flatonia American Legion Post #94, Knights of Columbus Scholarship Fund or EA Arnim Archives and Museum. The family of Edwin E. Zapalac wishes to thank Oak Manor Nursing Center Memory Care Wing and Dell Seton Medical Center staff for their amazing palliative care in his final days. Visitation was held at 5 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 19, 2017 at Smith Funeral Home in Flatonia. A Rosary was recited at 12 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 20, 2017 with Funeral Mass following at 12:30 p.m. at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Flatonia with Father Eddie Winkler officiating. Burial followed at the Sacred Heart Catholic Cemetery in Flatonia. Words of comfort can be expressed online at www.SmithFuneralHomeFlatonia.com Smith Funeral Home in Flatonia was in charge of arrangements.
Fayette County Record
127 S. Washington St.
P.O. Box 400
La Grange, TX 78945
Ph: (979) 968-3155
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