Joel B. Zapata, Marine, Beloved husband, father, brother and friend. Born in Kingsville, Texas July 18, 1946 went to be with his Lord April 27, 2018 at Sunshine Haven. He is preceded in death by his parents Mariciala and Jose Zapata of Kingsville, TX and brother David Zapata also from Kingsville.
Left to cherish his memory his loving wife of 16 years, Marlys Cortinas Zapata, his children Orlando and Zapata and Daniel Zapata from Austin TX, Maricela Zapata from New Braunfels, his daughter in law Lina Supnet Zapata, his step children Lahoma Pederson of South Padre Island, and Clint Cortinas of Brownsville TX, his previous wife Frances Mir of Corpus Christi, TX, his Brothers Henry Zapata of Victoria TX, Arturo Zapata of San Antonio TX, Gregorio Zapata of McAllen TX, sisters Juanita Hernandez, Amparo Gracia and Nico Galindo all of Corpus Christi TX, Lupita Mauro of Pflugerville, TX, grandchildren, Adriana Zapata, Gabby Supnet and Spencer Supnet of Austin, TX, step grandchildren Tiffany Rae Pelt San Antonio TX, David Tanner Atkinson of Austin and Austin White from Bayview, TX. Many nieces and nephews in various locations. His best Friend Liza Mae our Jack Russell/ Chihuahua who he loved and played with daily. Joel worked for Central Power and Light at an early age and moved up the ranks after graduating from Texas A & I Kingsville. He retired after 25 years of service and went into Real Estate. He became a Broker and opened his own office which he retired at age of 65. He then started Substitute teaching at Lopez High School he truly loved the students and the job until December 2016. If you had the privilege of meeting Joel you instantly liked him he had a wonderful personality, quick wit and loved everyone. He volunteered for the Chamber of Commerce Christmas Parade, for Rotary Club of Brownsville annual fundraiser, and Sombrero Fest for years. He loved to play Golf and travel so off we would go. He loved spending time with family and friends.
A memorial Service will be held May 11, 2018 at 11 a.m. at Trinity Lutheran Church (901 Boca Chica Blvd., Brownsville, Texas). Military Honors will be provided by VFW Post 2035. Celebration of his life at C & C Wings on 802 at 1 p.m. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Sunshine Haven in memory of Joel can be sent to 7105 W. Lakeside Blvd., Olmito, Texas 78575. We would like to thank all of our family, friends and neighbors for the prayers and the condolences. We would like to thank Sunshine Haven and Kinder Hospice for their loving care and attention he received.
