Mr. Edward R. Zapata

On the evening of July 9, 2022, Edward Rafael Zapata of Tallahassee, Florida, passed from this life into the presence of Jesus at Tallahassee Memorial Hospital. He was 84 years old. He was born on October 8, 1937, in Bonacca, Honduras, as the eldest son of Eduardo and Muriel Zapata. He came to the states as a youth and became a naturalized citizen. As a young man, Ed proudly served his new country as a paratrooper with the Second Battalion 503 Parachute Infantry Regiment in the 101 Airborne Division. This special group was known as the Band of Brothers. In 1965, he met Mary Rucks, whom he married on March 5, 1966. Together they raised two sons. During the years that followed Ed managed dry-cleaning stores, and later, was a huge asset in his position as Maintenance Supervisor for the Leon County School System. Ed had a special love for three things – God, whom he faithfully served till the end after receiving Jesus as his Lord and Savior at age 21; family/friends, whom he treated with loyalty and respect; and community/country. To that end he served in the Florida Highway Patrol Auxiliary for 23 years and reached the rank of Lieutenant. He also served in the Coast Guard Auxiliary and was a Commander for several years. Ed and his wife spent ten years in community service with an organization called Operation Provision International distributing food and ministering to families in need. Ed delighted in boating, fishing, and anything to do with water sports. The family spent many happy days fishing and scalloping on the St. Marks flats. He could fry up the best plantain chips ever and his tacos were a family favorite. Country music was his passion and he spent hours cataloging his CDs and listening to the tunes he loved. He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Mary; two sons, Brent and Chad; and three grandchildren, Lex, Carli, and Evan; and one great-grandson, Cayden. He also has a dear, loving aunt, Mona Blommel who resides in Tallahassee, Florida; plus many extended family members and friends. Celebration of Life service for Ed will be held at Abbey Funeral Home, 4037 North Monroe Street on July 30, 2022, at 2:00 PM. Interment will be at the Tallahassee National Cemetery, 5015 US 27 South at a later date. The family has requested that memorials be made as contributions to Mexico Ministries, P. O. Box 596, Denison, TX 75021. This was a ministry dear to Ed's heart. Online condolences may be expressed at www.abbeyfh.com.

Mr. Edward R. Zapata

October 8, 1937 - July 9, 2022