Floyd Zumwalt

Posted

Floyd Zumwalt, 81, passed away Wednesday, June 28. Floyd was born May 20, 1936 on the family farm in Harwood, Texas to Robert and Margaret Zumwalt; he was one of four children born to this union. Floyd was a member of St. John’s Catholic Church in Luling. He married Daisy Lois Mueth on October 22, 1955 in the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Rockne.

At the time Floyd was born, Texas along with our nation, was struggling in the midst of the Great Depression and the drought of the 1930s that brought forth the dust bowls in what is remembered as the Dirty Thirties. These times were at best devastating and burdensome to farmers and ranchers trying to scratch out a living from their land. Those that survived were strong in will and character, their work ethic solid and their faith and hope in God secure in a belief that through Him they would overcome. These were the times of Floyd’s youth and most certainly the times that molded him as a man. He quit school early to find work and help his family survive these tragic times, one of many sacrifices he made for family throughout his life. Through the years Floyd continued to work hard, raising broiler chicken, cattle, driving a bus for 15 years for the Gonzales Independent School District and working five years as the head of maintenance for the Luling Independent School District. All while tending his own ranching duties and being the loving patriarch of his wonderful family. Floyd raised turkeys for a period of time and later worked with breeder hens which he continued to the day of his passing.

Floyd knew all too well how precious and heart-rending life can be. Floyd and Daisy endured the loss of two adult children, Roxie Lucas and Jimmy Zumwalt and still later Floyd lost the love of his life Daisy as well. Floyd shouldered the losses the best he could and did his best to love and care for the children Roxie and Jimmy left behind. He would liberally share his love and time with all his grandchildren. Trips to Love’s for gummy bears, Sunkist orange and Sprite soda, double bubble gum, and sixlets candies, typically all things they wouldn’t get at home but Papa would happily provide.  Floyd made certain that his grandchildren could all drive a standard shift pickup, which was an adventure for all. He did his best to help them with their 4-H projects and prepare them to speak knowledgeably with the judges on how they were raised even though sometimes most of the heavy lifting was done by their Papa.

Floyd was the “go-to” man in the family for his children and grandchildren; he was a dependable and resolute problem solver.  He often told his disgruntled children and grandchildren that “They could get happy in the same pants they got mad in.” He reveled in teasing his grandchildren, he had nicknames for all of them and when presented with a school photo for his keeping he often suggested that “This picture would be good to put in the watermelon patch to scare off the varmints.” Whenever the grandchildren became a little to rambunctious he would asked them to go outside and pick up rocks in the lane, (where there were truckloads of rocks). Floyd was not only quick with is witticisms, he was fleet of foot often times out ran his grandchildren in a footrace. Though he was often teasing his family members, he also lived an example of love and faith. As his wife Daisy became ill, Floyd would sit by her side in the rocker for hours on end meeting all of her needs. Floyd held many jobs and held many titles in his career, of those his favorites were Husband, Daddy, Papa, Pops and Pawpaw, all came with tremendous responsibility and love and love never ends.    

Floyd Zumwalt is survived by his adoring family, daughter, Cheryl Catherine Zumwalt of Luling; grandchildren: Pam Harper and husband Dell, Jr. of Gonzales, Julie Beyer and husband Daniel of Moulton, Angelica Raley and husband Ray of Gonzales, Alexis Zumwalt of New York, NY, Kaily Zumwalt of Gonzales, Ralston Williams and Wyatt Williams both of Luling; great-grandchildren: Kirstin McKinney, Mikayla Harper, Hanna Beyer, Carson Beyer and Lee Raley; brother Willard Zumwalt and wife Anna Mae of Harwood; daughter-in-law Angela Zumwalt of Gonzales; numerous nieces and nephews and a special friend Theresa Ann Shumake of Red Rock. He was preceded in death by his wife, daughter Roxie Lucas, son Jimmy Zumwalt, sister Evelyn Watts and brother Jesse Zumwalt. Visitation was from 5-7 p.m. Sunday, July 2 with the rosary being recited at 7 p.m. at O’Bannon Funeral Home. Mass of the Resurrection will be celebrated 2 p.m. Monday, July 3 at St. John’s Catholic Church in Luling. Interment will follow in Harwood Cemetery. Pallbearers include Keith Zumwalt, Glenn Zumwalt, Ryan Zumwalt, Jesse Lee Zumwalt, Duane Zumwalt, Danny Zumwalt, Charles Alexander and Larry Edwards. Honorary pallbearers include Howard Brothers, Ray Raley, Philip Hamon, Terry Dekle, Dell Harper, Jr., Daniel Beyer, Ralston Williams, Wyatt Williams, Matt Hillman, Clarence Watts, Hayden Haberer and Gary Collins. Memorials may be made to the Harwood Cemetery Association. Friends may sign the guestbook by visiting www.seydlerhillfuneralhome.com. Arrangements are under the care and direction of O’Bannon Funeral Home, Luling.

Comments