Matagorda County Obituaries
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Fabian Zamora

February 23, 1981 - January 9, 2024

Fabian Zamora, 42, of Van Vleck, Texas, passed away on Tuesday, January 9, 2024, surrounded by his family. He was born February 23, 1981, in Bay City, Texas to Martin and Gloria Zamora.

His favorite hobbies included singing and dancing. He was momma’s little radio for many nights. He loved old school cars and would show them to his dad. His favorite sports team was none other than the Dallas Cowboys and Houston Astros and he enjoyed watching them with his family and friends. Fabian was a loving bartender who over the years made so many friends, who would often laugh with him until closing time. He will be deeply missed by so many!

He was preceded in death by his brother, Martin Zamora, Jr. He is survived by his parents, Martin Zamora and Gloria Garza Zamora; sister, Julissa Zamora; brother, Joshua Zamora; sister-in-law, Candace Zamora; nephew, Joshua Cory; niece, Calie Grey; and numerous aunts, uncles and cousins. 

The family will receive relatives and friends for visitation at 9:00am Saturday, January 13, 2024, at Turning Point Church in Bay City. Funeral Services will begin at 10:00am with Fidel Pesina, Jr. officiating. Interment will follow at Roselawn Memorial Park in Van Vleck. Pallbearers for Fabian will be Joshua Zamora, Daniel Morales, Gilbert Morales, Jason Zamora, Paul Soto, and Fernando Ledesma. Honorary pallbearers will be Martin Zamora, Rudy Zamora, Joe Zamora, and Evan Southall.

Taylor Bros. Funeral Home
 


Jorge Zamora

January 30, 2004 - August 19, 2021

Jorge Zamora, 17, of Bay City, passed away Thursday, August 19, 2021. He was born January 30, 2004 to Maria Rafaela Bautista and Gustavo Zamora.

Jorge was survived by his parents, Gustavo and Maria Zamora; sister, Elizabeth Zamora; brother, Sergio Zamora.

The family will receive friends and relatives for the Holy Rosary at 9:30am Thursday, August 26, 2021 at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church. Mass of Christian Burial will begin at 10:00am with Father Gabriel Espinosa officiating. Interment will follow in Cedarvale Cemetery in Bay City, Texas.

Pallbearers for Jorge will be Juan Pablo Zamora, Joel Ascencio Lopez, Gerardo Paredes, Silvestre Bautista, Jr., Armando Bautista, and Sergio Bautista.

Taylor Bros. Funeral Home            Photo courtesy of Faye Cunningham


 


Ethel Laverne Zandanel

April 3, 1932 — September 9, 2023

Ethel Laverne Zandanel was born in Palacios, Texas on April 3, 1932 to parents, Elmer and Ethel Abraham. She passed away September 9, 2023 in Madison, AL at the age of 91.

After high school, Laverne enlisted in the Air Force. She was stationed at Andrews Air Force Base where she met and married her husband Edward “Sonny” Zandanel on September 22, 1953. After their discharge, they moved to Pennsylvania and raised their family.

Laverne is preceded in death by her parents, husband, brother Robert Abraham, and sisters Lorraine O’Connell and Betty Amador. She is survived by her children Debbie (Dwight) Elledge of Cleveland, TX, Wayne Zandanel of Athens, AL, Diane (Tony) Teslik of Madison, AL, and Lisa (Mike) Durant of Madison, AL; brothers Herbert Abraham and Dennis Abraham, and sister Sandra Dudley; four grandchildren; eight step grandchildren and four great grandchildren.

The family has chosen the National Cemetery of the Alleghenies in Bridgeville, PA as the final resting place for Laverne and Sonny.

Legacy Chapel Funeral Home & Crematory, Madison, Alabama  & Palacios Beacon, September 27, 2023
 


Benito Zarate

April 03, 1948 - April 16, 2021

Benito Zarate, 73, of Bay City passed away April 16, 2021. He was born April 3, 1948 to the late Francisco and Adela E. Zarate. Benito grew up in Buckeye, Texas and then moved to Bay City, where he lived the rest of his life.

Throughout his life he worked several businesses around the Historic Bay City Square like Wild Bill’s, Brady’s Florist, Green Bros. Jewelry, Firestone, and several others in the area. In his younger days he was given the nickname “The Weather Man” by the people around town when he was known to, on occasion, stand at the corner with his rain coat they knew to grab an umbrella cause rain was coming. His favorite hangout was Mullen’s Donuts, where he would always get a combo and a small coffee. He loved long sessions of Lotería, introducing the game to everyone he met and then taking their money when he won. Benito had a passion for trains, birds, and the Houston Astros and everyone he knew.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Francisco and Adela E. Zarate; sisters, Elodia Z. Yanez, Rosa Z. Morales, Tomasa Z. Silvia, Juanita Z. Medina; and brother, Ricardo Zarate. He is survived by his nephew whom he lived with and cared for like a son, Herman Medina, his wife Michelle, their family. His favorites in life include, Ricky (Karen) Zarate, Roy Yanez, Raymond “Squeaky” Yanez, Rudy (Gloria) Nieto, and a slew of cousins and countless nieces and nephews the affectionately called him Tío.

Pallbearers for Benito will be Ricky Zarate, Sapo (Roland) Zarate, Gilbert Gonzalez, Greg Gonzalez, Jeff Montalvo, and Matthew Resendez.

Taylor Bros. Funeral Home
 

Phil Zarate
July 18, 1937 - January 12, 2023

Phil Zarate, 85, of Bay City, passed away on Thursday, January 12, 2023 at Bay Villa Health Care Center. He was born on July 18, 1937 in Buckeye to the late Gregorio Flores Zarate and Maria Ozuna Zarate.

Phil was raised in Bay City and graduated from Bay City High School. He served our country honorably for over 30 years in the United States Army. Phil enjoyed working with the cattle and horses on his ranch, landscaping and relaxing with family and friends. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brothers, Francisco, Marcelo, Guadalupe, Julian, Carmel, Rosendo, Alonzo and Thomas Zarate and his sisters, Ricarda Zarate, Amanda Zarate Gonzales, Margaret Zarate Parrado, Paula Zarate and Esperanza Zarate Villarreal.

He is survived by his daughter, Lisa Zarate, son, P.Glenn Zarate and wife, Ana, brothers, George Zarate and Emilio Zarate, sisters, Joyce Cantu, Natalia Valadez and Maria Elena  Escobar.

Graveside services will be held on a later date at Cedarvale Cemetery on Golden Ave in Bay City 

Funeral services were under the direction of Wharton Funeral Home.

Condolences can be left at whartonfuneralhome.com

Wharton Funeral Home

Photo courtesy of Faye Cunningham



 


Margarita Garcia Zavala

April 20, 1947 - May 13, 2021

Margarita Garcia Zavala, 74, of Palacios passed away May 13, 2021.  She was born on April 20, 1947 in Corpus Christi, TX to the late Alfonso Garcia and Trinidad Llanes Perez.

She was a strong Christian woman who adored all but especially her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. She loved the Lord and served him from a very young age. She was a retired cook who also loved music. If you happened to visit her at her home, you were in for a real delicious treat. Due to her mouth watering and delightful tamales, she was known as “The Tamale Queen”.  She was an exceptional mother, provider, and guardian. She was all for doing the right thing and was a good Samaritan to those who crossed her path.

Survivors include her children Eugene Stephens Sr. of Palacios, Mona Ortiz and husband Jose of Palacios, Edward Serna Jr.  and wife Toni of Palacios, Sandra Rios and husband Oziel Sr. of Palacios, Benigno “Benny” Zavala Sr. and wife Maria of Bryan, and Amanda Zavala and fiancé Daniel of Palacios; her sisters Penny McCleskey of New Caney, Virginia “Mona” Garcia of Palacios, and Janie Samora of Palacios; her brother Henry Perez, Jr. of Houston; 17 grandchildren and 19 great grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents, former late husband Reynaldo Zavala Sr., and siblings Clarence Hernandez, Theodore Hernandez, Mary Lou Hernandez, Mary Pena, Sandy Perez, and Beatrice Sanchez.

Visitation will begin at 9:00 AM Tuesday, May 18, 2021 at the Palacios Funeral Home.  Funeral service will be at 10:00 AM with Pastor Juan Aguilera officiating.  Interment will follow at the Palacios Cemetery.  Pallbearers will be Oziel Rios Sr., Daniel Guevara, Eugene Stephens Jr., Benigno Zavala Jr., Oziel Rios Jr., Ray Zavala, Edward Serna III, and Sebastian Rios.  Honorary pallbearers will be Eugene Stephens Sr., Edward Serna Jr., and Benigno Zavala Sr.

Taylor Bros. Funeral Home
 


James Zboral Sr.

July 3, 1971 - May 28, 2021

James Zboral Sr. passed away at age 49 on Friday, May 28, 2021.

He was born on July 3, 1971 to and raised by Sophia Cadriel and Jose M. Zboral Sr, in Houston, Texas; along with his birth parents, Guadalupe and Minerva Gonzales Zboral.

Mr. Zboral learned many trades throughout his life starting out as an electrician for many years and working in construction for the last few. He was known for living life to the fullest and always having a great time. He loved spending time with family and friends, watching sports, and collecting things that brought him joy. Anyone who knew Mr. Zboral knew him as selfless, loving and compassionate. A family man who considered anyone family as long as they extended the love that he gave.

He is survived by his four children, James Jr., Alyssa, Rosa, and Ceclia Zboral; his grandchildren, Brayleigh and Mya Zboral, Genesis, Darius, Messiah, and Leslie III Brinkley, Tamia Ramirez, Nova, and Kalahari Jackson; his siblings, Kimberly Brewer, Mary Lou Hokenson, Willie, Lupe, Frankie, Ismeal, and Mary Zboral; Luci Nevarez, Luisa Currie, Delfina Jalomo, Melissa Benavidez, Leo Jr., etc.

Mr. Zboral was preceded in death by his late wife, Jeri; his little sister, Minerva Zboral (Blacky); birth father, Guadalupe Zboral; and his granddaughter, Heaven Brinkley.

Bay City Tribune online
 


Linda C. Zboral

March 14, 1972 - December 11, 2021

Linda C. Zboral, 49, of Bay City passed away on December 11, 2021. She was born March 14, 1972, in Guam, to Antonio Aguiui and Virginia Chiguina Chaco.

She is survived by her husband Leroy Zboral, her sisters Gina Therese (Joshua) Pynes and Loretta Jean (Jay) Casiano, as well as her brothers Anthony James C. (Michelle) Chaco and Joseph John (Tammy) Chaco. Linda is also survived by her many nieces and nephews Ryan Chaco, Bryan Chaco, Joshua Jacob Pynes, Victoria Pynes, Aubree Chaco, Anthony James Chaco, Bianca Madden, Desirae Casiano, Selena Casiano, Silas Madden, Joevin Chaco, Rebecca Chaco, and her grandchildren Junie A. Benjamin and Jaleah A. Benjamin.

Visitation will begin at 9:00 AM Thursday, December 23, 2021, at the Family Worship Center. The funeral mass will begin at 10:00 AM with James Guerrero officiating. Interment will follow at Cedarvale Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Leroy Zboral, Antonio Chaco, Josh Pynes, Bryan Chaco, Joshua Pynes, and Frank Alameda.

Taylor Bros. Funeral Home & Bay City Tribune, December 22, 2021
 


Minerva G. Zboral

February 15, 1951 – January 23, 2022

Minerva G. Zboral, 70, of Bay City passed away January 23, 2022. She was born February 15, 1951, in Marlin, Texas to the late Victor Gonzales and Juanita Chapa Gonzales.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband Guadalupe S. Zboral, Jr.; daughter Minerva “Blacky” Zboral; son James Zboral, Sr.; sisters Carmen, Alicia, (LaLa), Emma, Anita and Sylvia; brothers Willie Robert and Raul, and grandson Xavier Calem Zboral-Huerta.

Survivors include sons Lupe Zboral III (Kim) of Liberty, Willie Zboral, Sr. (Christy) of Katy, Frankie Zboral (Michelle) of Waxahachie and Smiley Zboral (Valentina) of Victoria; daughters Mary Helen Zboral of Bay City, Melissa Benavides (Arthur) of Bay City, Trine Oros (Jose) of Bay City, Delfina Jalomo (Lupe) of Bay City, Sylvia Constantin (Jim) of Arlington and Jasmine Castaneda; sisters Herminia Gonzales and Olivia Cantu both of Bay City; grandchildren Jessica, Sammy, Jr., Ashley, Vanessa, Arthur, Jr., Erik, Jr., Trine, Sara, Rene, Jeremy, Lupe, Jr., Matthew, Mark, James, Jr., Victoria, Chrystal, Daisy, Coral, Zoey, Willie, Jr., Kenady, Kristyn, Hailey, Olivia, Israel “Izzy”, Noah, Lincoln, Justin, Jacob, Zachary, Eleazar “Baby Lee”, and Elizabeth; and numerous great-grandchildren.

Visitation will begin at 1 p.m. Friday, January 28, 2022, at Nichols Street Church of Christ. Services will begin at 2 p.m. Interment will follow at Roselawn Memorial Park. Pallbearers will be grandsons Erik Muniz, Jr., Arthur Benavides, Jr., Lupe Jalomo, Jr., Daniel Gonzales, Willie Zboral, Jr., and Sammy Galvan, Jr. Honorary pallbearers will be sons Smiley Zboral, Willie Zboral, Frankie Zboral and Lupe Zboral III.

Online condolences may be shared with the family by visiting www.taylorbros.net. Arrangements are with Taylor Bros. Funeral Home Bay City. 979-245-4613.

Bay City Tribune, January 26, 2022
 


Jeffery Lyndon Zbranek

July 05, 1964 - August 20, 2021

Jeffery Lyndon “Jeff” Zbranek, 57, of Blessing, TX passed away August 20, 2021. He was born July 5, 1964 in El Campo, TX to Emil and Ruby Adams Zbranek.

 Jeff was a loving husband, father and grandfather. He loved fishing and spending time with his family. Jeff was a faithful servant of the Lord, and spent many hours reading his Bible and praying.

Jeff is survived by his loving wife of 26 years, Patricia Sliva Zbranek; children DanYelle Montague and husband Jonathan, Jared Zbranek and wife Jessica and Joshua Zbranek; grandchildren Jaden and Jordis Montague and one on the way, Zachary Zbranek; brothers Chris Zbranek, Brian Zbranek, Nathan Zbranek and wife Michelle; nephews Hayden and Ethan, and numerous cousins and other loving relatives.

Funeral services will be 10:00 am Friday, August 27, 2021 at Taylor Bros. Funeral Home. Interment will follow at Cedarvale Cemetery.

Taylor Bros. Funeral Home
 


Ruby Zbranek

July 20, 1939 - July 11, 2021

Ruby Jewell Adams Zbranek, 81, of Bay City, passed away July 11, 2021. She was born on July 20, 1939 in Gause, TX to the late Thomas and Isabell Kozelski Adams. Ruby was a secretary for Dow Chemical. Ruby loved spending time with her children, grandchildren and church family. She also enjoyed fishing and playing cards.

She is survived by her sons, Chris Zbranek of Palms Springs, CA, Jeff Zbranek and wife Patricia of Blessing, Brian Zbranek of Austin and Nathan Zbranek and wife Michelle of Bay City; five grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

Ruby was preceded in death by her parents; husband of 51 years, Emil Zbranek and brother, Tommy Joe Adams.

Visitation will be from 3-6 p.m. Sunday, July 18 at Triska Funeral Home in El Campo. A Rosary will be recited at 9:30 a.m. Monday, July 19 at Holy Cross Catholic Church in Bay City with funeral Mass following at 10 a.m. with the Rev. Stephen Vacek officiating. Graveside services will begin at 2 p.m. Monday at St. John’s Cemetery in New Taiton.

Pallbearers will be Chris Zbranek, Jeff Zbranek, Brian Zbranek, Nathan Zbranek, Hayden Zbranek and Jared Zbranek. Honorary pallbearers will be Josh Zbranek, Ethan Zbranek, Jerome Vacek and Steve Morales.

Memorial donations in memory of Ruby may be made to Holy Cross Catholic Church, Holy Cross School or Our Lady of Guadalupe Church, all in Bay City.

Triska Funeral Home, El Campo, 979-543-3681     Bay City Tribune, July 14, 2021
 


Janice Lynn Zemanek

May 11, 1953 - February 02, 2022

Janice Lynn Zemanek, 68, of Bay City passed away February 2, 2022.  She was born May 11, 1953 in Bay City to the late Alvin Lee Hadley and Vencie Jean Yeager Hadley.

Although Janice’s life ended before we were ready, the time that she spent in our lives was memorable and full of joy. The love of plants/flowers was evident and a hobby she truly loved. She was a dedicated wife, loving parent, truly amazing sister and friend to many. Her memory shall live forever in our hearts.

She was preceded in death by her parents.

Survivors include her husband Richard E. Zemanek; daughter Amanda Nesbitt; sisters Kathy Goode (Larry) and Georgeann Hadley (David Jansky); brother Dwight Hadley (Susan) and nieces and nephews Kaycee Castleberry, Brian Hadley, Russell Hadley, Larry Harrison, Crystal Goodman and Danne’ Richey.

A visitation will be held from 1PM until 2PM Tuesday, February 8, 2022 at Nichols Street Church of Christ, 1200 Nichols St., Bay City, TX 77414.  Graveside services will follow at 2:30 PM at Hawley Cemetery with Rev. John Williams officiating.  Pallbearers will be Larry Goode, Curt Hall, Bennie Goodman, Robert Zemanek, Larry Harrison and Brian Hadley.

Memorial donations may be made to the Women's Shelter of Bay City or charity of your choice.

Taylor Bros. Funeral Home
 


Lupe Zepeda

Funeral services for Lupe Zepeda, 87, of Bay City were held at 2 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 27, 1994, at Taylor Bros. Funeral Home chapel with Bro. Saul Garcia officiating.  Burial followed in Cedarvale Cemetery in Bay City.

A prayer service was held at 5 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 2, 1994, at Taylor Bros. Funeral Home Chapel.

Mrs. Zepeda was born Aug. 4, 1907, in Brownsville, to Domingo and Angelita Padron Rivera and died Nov. 24, 1994, in Matagorda General Hospital.

A lifelong resident of Matagorda County, she was a member of the Catholic church.

Survivors include her husband, Rodolfo R. Leal Sr. of  Bay City; three daughters, Francis Gonzales of Edna and Julia Garcia and Gloria Lopez, both of Bay City; a son, Jess DeLeon IV of Bay City and by numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by a daughter, Margaret Servantez; three sons, Jess DeLeon Jr., Isaac Zepeda and Joe DeLeon.

Arrangements are with Taylor Bros. Funeral Home of Bay City.

The Daily Tribune, November 29, 1994      Courtesy of Janet Hickl
 


Dora Marie Zetterberg

March 31, 1943 ~ September 3, 2022

Dora Zetterberg was born on March 31, 1943 in Palacios, Tx. to the union of J.C. and Martha Gossett. She loved to talk and "cut up". Her favorite things to do were puzzles, going to the Dollar Tree and going to her doctor visits with Dr. Neret (her sweetie). Dora loved and accepted everyone. 

Dora was preceded in death by her parents J.C. and Martha Gossett, two great-grandchildren, and her best friend Verna Baros.

Dora is survived by her sister Charlotte Gossett (Sissy), son Charles Zetterberg (Sherri), daughters Martha Wright (James) and Patricia Zetterberg, Grandchildren Justin Wright, Cheyenne Wright, Jasmine Martinez, Janissa Martinez, Keri Bree Zetterberg, and Charles Zetterberg Jr., nephews James and Cody Wright, a host of great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, family and friends.

Family Care Mortuary
 


Steven Alan Zigler

January 28, 1971 - September 02, 2023

Steven Alan Zigler, 52, of Sargent, TX passed away September 2, 2023.  He was born January 28, 1971 in Baltimore, Maryland to the late Carl Garland Zigler and Joan Hecht Zigler.

Survivors include his wife J’Lynn Wendt Zigler; daughter Jayme Lynn Zigler and her fiancé William Charles Burgess; sons Andrew Joseph Zigler and Evan Chandler Zigler; sister Laurie Jan Hartman, her husband Adam, and their daughters Rebecca and Rachel; and his in-laws Charles Edward and Euneen Wendt.

A celebration of his life will be at 1:00 PM Tuesday, September 5, 2023 at the Caney Creek Chapel in Sargent, TX.

Taylor Bros. Funeral Home
 


Allister Logan Zimmerman

January 16, 2005 ~ December 16, 2022

Sinton – Allister Logan Zimmerman passed away December 16, 2022. He was 17.

Allister was born January 16, 2005 to Elizabeth G. Swinney and Michael C. Zimmerman. He was a resident of Sinton, Texas for most of his life and formerly resided in Corpus Christi, Texas and Bay City, Texas. Allister was a senior at Sinton High School and worked as a farm hand at Ring Brothers Farm. He was a beloved son, brother, grandson, nephew and friend who will be missed by all who knew him.

He is preceded in death by his mother: Elizabeth Swinney.

Survivors include his father: Michael C. Zimmerman from Corpus Christi, Texas; brothers: Damien Omega from League City, Texas and Connor Aiden Zimmerman from Corpus Christi, Texas; maternal grandparents: Stephen and Wendy Foster from Sinton, Texas; maternal grandparents: Reverend Michael and Julia Zimmerman from Bay City, Texas; aunt: Anna Foster from Sinton, Texas; uncle: Nicholas Foster (Claudia) from Colorado; numerous other family members.

Memorial Service will be held Tuesday, December 20, 2022, 3:00 PM at Lumberyard Event Center, Sinton. Followed by one hour of fellowship at the Lumberyard Event Center.

Resthaven Funeral Home, Sinton
 

 

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Created
Apr. 17, 2021
Updated
Jul. 13, 2021
 

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