Juan Zapata (1928 - 2012)

Born 24 Nov 1928 in Rockdale, Texas, USA

Biography

Mass for Juan Zapata, 83 of Rockdale will be held 10:00 AM Monday, April 2, 2012 in the St. Joseph Catholic Church in Rockdale. Mr. Zapata will be cremated. Visitation 4PM to 9PM with a Rosary at 7PM Sunday, April 1st, at the funeral home. Juan Zapata was born November 24, 1928 in Rockdale, one of 14 children of Feliciano L. and Manuela (Reyes) Zapata. He has lived all of his life in Rockdale. He was an Army Veteran serving during the Korean Conflict. On November 15, 1959, he and Juaquina Mireles were married in Rockdale. He was a mechanic for H.H. Coffield and Koehler's Garage in Rockdale. He was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church, the Knights of Columbus #7014 and president of La Escuelita in Rockdale over 32 years. He was the longtime caretaker at St. Joseph Cemetery in Rockdale. Juan passed away Thursday morning, March 29th, in the Richards Memorial Hospital in Rockdale. He was preceded in death by his wife Juaquina on June 23, 1992. His parents and five siblings, Nehi, Carmen, Simon, Daniel and Pablo. Surviving; three sons, Ernest Zapata of Austin, Robert Zapata and Pat Zapata both of Rockdale. Three daughters, Johnnie Diaz and husband Frank, Sr. of Rockdale, Julie Smith and husband Jim of Rockdale and Patsy Zapata of Rockdale. Six brothers, Nat Zapata of Rockdale, Butch Zapata of San Antonio, Nick Zapata of Arkansas, Eppie Zapata of Rockdale, Steve Zapata of Rockdale and Victor Zapata of Rockdale. Two sisters, Dee Lerma and Molly Montelongo both of Rockdale. Five grandchildren, Linda Montelongo and husband Jose, Frank Diaz, Jr., Jamie Whitmire and husband Shane, Art Zapata and J.W. Smith all of Rockdale. 6 great grandchildren, Joey Montelongo, Timothy Montelongo, Kina Montelongo, Jadyn Whitmire, Braeleigh Whitmire and Kyleigh Diaz. Pallbearers; Linda Montelongo, Jamie Whitmire, Frank Diaz, Jr., Art Zapata, J.W. Smith, Joey Montelongo. Honorary pallbearers; Timothy Montelongo, Kina Montelongo, Jadyn Whitmire, Braeleigh Whitmire, Kyleigh Diaz. Memorials may be made to Rockdale K.C. Council #7014 or to La Escuelita, P.O. Box 700, Rockdale, Texas 76567 or to St. Joseph Cemetery Association, P.O. Box 700, Rockdale, Texas 76567.

Sources

• Obituary, Phillips & Luckey Funeral Home, accessed March 8, 2016