Jerry D. Zapalac

Jerry D. Zapalac, age 79 of West, passed away early Tuesday afternoon, January 24, 2006 at Hillcrest Baptist Medical Center in Waco. A rosary will be recited 2:00 p.m. Thursday at St. Mary's Catholic Church of the Assumption in West. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 2:15 p.m. Thursday at St. Mary's Catholic Church of the Assumption with Rev. Ed Karasek and Rev. B.J. Zientek as celebrants. Military Graveside Rites will follow at St. Mary's Cemetery near West conducted by V.F.W. Post No. 4819 of West. Mr. Zapalac was born on July 20, 1926 in West, the son of Ludvick and Albina (Vanek) Zapalac. He attended Alligator School and West High School. In serving his country, he enlisted in the United States Navy fighting on the USS Heywood AP6 troop transport to Okinawa during World War II. On September 6, 1948 in West, he was united in marriage to Helen Beatrice Smajstrla. He was manager of the Ben Franklin Store in Hillsboro for over seventeen years. He also worked and was co-owner at the West Hardware and West Food Mart until his retirement. Jerry loved spending time with his family and friends. He enjoyed the outdoors and his hobbies included gardening, fishing, camping and hunting. He was a member of V.F.W. Post No. 4819 of West, K.J.T. Society No. 31, and S.P.J.S.T. Lodge No. 6 Cottonwood. He is a lifetime member of St. Mary's Catholic Church of the Assumption in West, where he sang in St. Cecilia's Choir for several years. A daughter, Kathy (Zapalac) Wallace; and a son-in-law, Steve Wallace, both preceded him in death on October 22, 1972. Survivors include his beloved wife of 57 years, Helen Zapalac of West; two sons, Wayne Zapalac and his wife Melinda of West and Mark Zapalac and wife Cindy of Tours; two brothers, Raymond Zapalac of Dawson and Ludie Zapalac of Garland; two sisters, Martha Dowdy of Irving and Mary Ann Adams and husband Jack of Carrollton; four grandchildren, Jason and Joshua Zapalac of West and Jeff and Carla Zapalac of Tours; and several nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Pallbearers will be the grandsons and nephews, Jeff Zapalac, Jason Zapalac, Jack Adams Jr., Allen Adams, Van Dowdy and Marty Dowdy. Memorials may be made to the charity of your choice.