In Loving Memory
Emil Frank Zapalac Jr.
9/10/1934 – 2/29/2020
Emil Frank Zapalac Jr., 85, was born in Galveston, Texas on September 10, 1934 to his parents Emil Frank Zapalac Sr. and Marie (Kuchar) Zapalac. On Saturday morning February 29, 2020 at Pearland Medical Center, “Zap” answered the call by our heavenly Father. He graduated from Kirwin High school where he received a scholarship to play football at Texas A&M and was also a member in the Corp of Cadets. Zap decided to give up playing football after several years to pursue his dream of becoming an Architect and transferred to the University of Houston to study Architecture. He was a member of the American Institute of Architects during his career and well after his retirement. He began his career at Houston Lighting & Power until he started his own Engineering and Architectural firm. He was also involved in the University of Houston Architecture Alumni Association and served in the United States Air Force Reserve. Zap married the love of his life, Dorothy Louise Conklin better known as ‘Dottie’ at St Mary’s Catholic Church in Galveston, Texas on January 24, 1959. They were married for over 60 years and were residents of the South Belt/Sagemont area for over 56 years and raised their family there. Zap was very involved with his sons’ sports by volunteering for the Sagemont Little League and the Boy Scouts of America. He served as a parishioner at St. Luke’s the Evangelist Catholic Church and was a member of the Knights of Columbus. Although he loved being a Dad, he loved his grandchildren with all his heart. He was the “best grandpa” as his grandchildren would say. Zap was very involved in their lives by showing up to all their sports games, dance competitions, livestock shows, choir concerts and more. No matter the occasion, he always showed up and was there for his grandchildren. He was their biggest supporter and they all knew that. He was preceded in death by his parents, Emil Frank Zapalac Sr. and Marie (Kuchar) Zapalac. wife, Dorothy ‘Dottie’ Zapalac and daughter-in-law; Lisa Corl Zapalac. Zap is survived by his sons, Emil Ross Zapalac and wife Kim Zapalac, children Ross and Bridgette Zapalac. Stephen Troy Zapalac and children Hannah and Noah Zapalac. Sister Betty Jean and Bobby Stokes of Austin, Texas. His sister in law Jeanie Conklin and partner Rita Highsmith. Numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Zap was a big man with a huge personality and an even bigger heart. He loved Galveston along with camping and exploring new places with his family. He has always loved the outdoors and was an avid football fan on all levels. He was the best man and husband by being devoted and caring to his beautiful wife until her death in August 2019. Bubba and Stephen loved their Dad and cherished the memories they created as a family. They are at peace knowing their Dad is no longer suffering and is finally reunited with their mother. A memorial service will be held celebrating the life of Zap at St. Luke’s the Evangelist, 11011 Hall Rd Houston, Texas 77089 on Saturday, March 7, 2020 at 11:00 AM. There will also be a gathering following the mass at Bubba’s house.
In Memoriam