Zach passed away Monday, April 13, in Tyler surrounded by his family after a long battle with cancer. He will be remembered as one who would not give up the fight. He fought with all he had. His desire was to raise his children, and be there for all the milestones in their lives. They were his greatest joy! He was extremely proud of them, and loved to show them off at any opportunity. He loved spending time with them, and taking them to places to have fun. He would say “everywhere we go…we turn heads, because we’re so goodlookin’!” He loved watching his son play basketball and baseball. His daughters spent his last night with him, and that was a great comfort.
He was an avid outdoors man and musician. He was an accomplished drummer, and loved to have jam sessions with his brother playing guitar, and his sister singing. His love of hunting, fishing, camping, and water sports will be etched in the minds of his children, niece and nephews. He spent much time with them on Lake Jacksonville, and in the woods just enjoying nature and having fun together.
He was proud of his siblings Matt, Sara, and Erin and all of their accomplishments. They loved to reminisce about their childhood, and all the fun they had growing up on Dublin Lane. He loved his sister-in-law, Stephanie and brother-in-law, Luke and was equally proud of them. They all rallied around him during these last weeks to help with his care, and did so with much love.
Zach counted his dad, Weldon, as his best friend. He began working with his dad in the family business at a young age. Weldon was proud to introduce him to customers as “my son”. He loved his mother, Charlotte, and was especially proud of the fact that she laughed at all his silly jokes, and he could make her laugh at most anything. She rarely left his side during these last weeks. These three became very close during the last three years having spent so much time together fighting this terrible disease.
Born March 27, 1979 in Tyler, Zach was a Christian. He turned his life to God during the course of this battle. He shared his testimony of God’s grace and mercy to many he encountered, especially those that knew him before his transformation, and those fighting the same battle as he.
We will miss him dearly. Knowing we will see him again, gives us hope each day.