Harry R. Zahirniak

Harry R. "Fuzzy" Zahirniak, age 96, of West, passed away early Thursday morning, April 15, 2010 at West Rest Haven in West. Funeral services will be held 10:00 a.m. Monday at West Brethren Church, with Rev. Curtis Holland officiating. Military Graveside Rites will follow at West Brethren Cemetery, conducted by West V.F.W. Post No. 4819. The family will receive visitors from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. Sunday at the funeral home. Harry was born July 23, 1913 in Ross, the son of Fred and Marie (Kudelka) Zahirniak. He attended school in Ross. He proudly served his country with the United States Army during World War II, where he was a P.O.W. for 22 months. Harry was united in marriage to Lois Pearl Lehmann on July 13, 1966 in Marlin. She preceded him in death on October 11, 1996. Harry was a mechanic for most of his life, working for several dealerships in the area. He also worked for the Bell Telephone Company and West Rest Haven, where he volunteer for over 29 years. Harry was a member of West Veterans of Foreign Wars Post No. 4819, American Legion Post No. 478, Disabled American Veterans, and the S.P.J.S.T. Lodge. He was also a member of the West Brethren Church. Harry enjoyed fishing, dancing, and especially playing the drums and tambourine with Texas Playboys and Harold Strand and the Little Fishermen. Harry loved kids, animals, and gardening, especially his roses. His parents; two daughters, Betty Huffert and Dorothy Gabbert; four sisters, Eileen May, Billie Scoggins, Marie Tobola and Irene Votaw; along with his dog, Tequilla also preceded him in death. Survivors include a son, Richard Lehmann and wife Caral Ann of Hughes Springs; two daughters, Edda Kolar and husband Johnnie of West, and Janell Matus of Waco; a sister. Judy Rosenauer and her husband Richard of Waco; five grandchildren, Sharri Huffert, Debbie Ferguson, Laura Lehmann, Robyn Lehmann and Justin Kolar; two great grandchildren, Garrett Allen and Camden Ferguson; and many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Pallbearers are Ernest Tobola Jr., Justin Kolar, Chris Ferguson, Chris Peek, Alvin Poore, Gary Kattner and Chris Kattner. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Fuzzy Friends or the West League Booster Club.