Richard Zahn

Richard Zahn passed away on December 16, 2019 at the age of 86, in Waxahachie, Texas.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Anton Zahn and Rose Eberly Zahn; brothers Jerome Zahn, Elmer Zahn, and sister, Lorraine Scheele.

Those left to celebrate his life are: wife, Shirley Zahn of Red Oak,  stepson James Norris and wife Sherrie of Waxahachie, stepson Rick Norris and wife Vonnie of Rockwall, brother, Tony Zahn and wife Pat of Kansas City, Mo., sister,  Lu Schiller of Aberdeen, South Dakota, sister, Lucy Romanella of Scottsdale, AZ, and sister,  Rosie Nelson of Littleton, Co. , 5 grandchildren, 3 great grandchildren, 2 great great-grandchildren and a host of nieces and nephews as well as many friends. He will be missed by all and never forgotten.

Richard was born in Firesteel South Dakota, a small community in Dewey County. He was born to strict and loving parents of German descent and Catholic Faith.   He grew up on a farm in Aberdeen, SD alongside of his 7 brothers and sisters where he learned the value of hard work and repairing instead of replacing things that were broken. He could fix anything.  No matter where he lived throughout his life, when he came home, he looked forward to checking off the “honey do” lists that his sisters had for him. He loved his family and this bond only strengthened through the years.

Richard was a loving husband, step-dad, and Papa, a devoted brother, a faithful friend and a man of great integrity and patience, who set an example just by being a man of his word. He was a kind man, a strong man, a gentle man who had a great respect for women, and a stubborn man when he made up his mind on something.

Richard was a Marine veteran and served in Korea as a drill sergeant.  He loved his country,   his home state of South Dakota, and Texas the state he called home.

Richard met his wife, Shirley, 22 years ago and they have been married for over 20 years. They moved to Red Oak soon afterwards. Over the years they have traveled all over the US in their RV, gathering lifelong friends along the way. This was something they both enjoyed and have many happy memories and many dear friends that made their life together even sweeter.

Richard loved many things.  He loved to play cards, 42, dominoes, board games, outside games, he just loved to have fun. And he had so much patience playing games with kids.

Richard loved to eat and didn’t waste food, especially desserts. He made every cook in the kitchen feel special.  He loved to have family and friends visit and was a welcoming host.

Richard loved to watch football especially Cowboy games with Shirley. He loved to go to Ranger games with James and Rick.  He even played golf on occasion when his brother in laws came to visit.  He loved John Wayne movies.  He loved his vegetable garden, working in the yard, and piddling in his garage and repairing anything that might have broken. He loved to lend a hand to anyone who needed help and never complained of being tired.

He loved music, just about anything traditional country, like Eddie Arnold or Hank Williams, but his favorite music was Polka. This brings us to the thing he loved most, next to Shirley and his family, and that was dancing.

Richard never ran out of energy when it came to dancing. He and Shirley kept young and fit by going dancing up to 3 times a week.  And when Shirley took a break, the ladies would get in line for a dance with Richard.

I know many of you will remember Richard in his boots and jeans with a big smile on his face leading Shirley, in one of her perfectly matched outfits, to the dance floor. Always ready to dance.

The next time we see him, he will be strong and well again just waiting patiently for his dance partner. Until then, keep those memories close to your heart.

In lieu of flowers please make a donation to Alzheimer’s Research.