Charles Franklin Zalmanek Sr. 92, passed away peacefully on Thursday, July 13, 2023, at Copperas Hollow Assisted Living Facility in Caldwell, Texas.
Charles was born at home on March 28, 1931, to Joseph W. Zalmanek and Lydia Sontag Zalmanek in the community of Providence, Burleson County. He was the second of four children.
Charles graduated from Caldwell High School in 1951, where he played on the basketball team.
His career as a bulldozer and heavy equipment operator began alongside his father, who taught him this skill at a very young age. During his working career, Charles took immense pride while clearing land, building tanks, lakes and ponds in Burleson, Brazos and surrounding counties to name a few. He spent years perfecting his trade as many people in our local area have benefited from his expertise.
Charles proudly served his country when he joined the Army, while serving under the Air Force from March 9, 1953, until February 9, 1955, as a Combat Heavy Equipment operator, building, extending and maintaining Aircraft runways while being fired upon by the enemy during the Korean War.
Charles never met a stranger. He enjoyed visiting the local VFW in Caldwell, (especially the Friday night Fish Fries) and talking with the local bank tellers as well as the staff at the barber shop.
His hobbies were fishing, hunting, gardening and woodworking, and while grilling, he enjoyed an ice-cold beverage.
During the winter months when it was often too wet to run his bulldozer, he would use his welding skills to build cattle guards for his customers as requested.
As time permitted, he did enjoy spending quality time with his family and friends.
Charles was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Miriam Norcross Zalmanek; second wife, Jeanie Gibson Zalmanek, stepson, Charles Palermo; stepdaughter-in-law, Kathy Todd Palermo; brother, J.W. Zalmanek; sister-in-law, Barbara Zalmanek; brothers-inlaw, Marvin Worthington, and Bill Dillard.
Charles is survived by his three daughters, Donna and her husband, Mike Graul, of Bryan, Texas, Sally and her husband, Tony Belt, of Bryan, Texas, and Valerie and her husband, John Dockery, of Millican, Texas; son, Chuck Zalmanek Jr. and his wife, Wynette, of Kurten, Texas. He is also survived by his stepchildren, Kathy and her husband, Vince Patranella, and Frank Palermo, all of Bryan, Texas, Debbie and her husband, Henry Paine, of Denton, Texas; and stepdaughter-in-law, Janet Palermo Smith of Round Rock, Texas. Charles is also survived by his beloved grandchildren, Lance and his wife, Meghan Graul, of Bryan, Texas, Lane Graul of Houston, Texas, Heather Graul of Madrid, Spain, Sarah Dockery of Cedar Park, Texas, Katy and her husband, Nick Stiner, of Franklin, Texas, Trey Dockery of Millican, Texas, Tyler Belt of Huntsville, Texas, Ashley Belt of Bryan, Texas, Justin Zalmanek of Dalhart, Texas; his sisters, JoAnn Worthington, of Caldwell, Texas, Beverly Dillard, of Bryan, Texas; and a host of extended grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and friends.
We would like to thank Joanne Young, Director of Copperas Hollow Assisted Living Facility, and her incredibly special staff: Melinda, Renee, Connie, Eulanda and Amber, for their kindness, care, and love for Charles (aka Mr. Charlie) during his stay. A special thank you to the Bluebonnet Hospice Team and his awesome nurse Jeanne Hartranft for assisting our dad during his last days on this Earth, which he changed forever with his talent of reshaping the land!
Per Charles last wishes, there will be no services. A private inurnment with honors will be at the Houston National Cemetery in the upcoming days.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations in his honor be directed to VFW Post #4458, 1644 State Hwy. 36 S., Caldwell, Texas 77836 or to a charity of your choice.
Express condolences at PhillipsandLuckey.com.
PHILLIPS & LUCKEY FUNERAL HOME 404 W. Buck St. Caldwell, Tx 77836 979-567-3232