John Lowell Zavadil

John Lowell Zavadil June 10, 1939 - April 23, 2026 With heavy hearts and profound gratitude, we announce the peaceful passing of John Lowell Zavadil on April 23, 2026, at his cherished home on the Five Mile Creek in Gonzales County, Texas, surrounded by the love of his family. Born on June 10, 1939, in Gonzales County, Texas, John was a beacon of love, kindness, and community spirit throughout his life. John was the beloved son of Louis and Hilda (Gloor) Zavadil, whose values he upheld and cherished. Preceded in death by his parents, his sister Lois Jean (Ray) Jackson, brother Dennis (Karen) Zavadil, son John Mark Zavadil, grandson Randall “Sport” Bairrington, and nephew Terry Ray Jackson, John now joins them in eternal peace. A devoted husband, John met the love of his life, Erlene, at a dance at the KC Hall in Sealy, Texas, on April 17, 1993. They chose to marry on December 17, 1997, at First Evangelical Lutheran Church in Gonzales, marking the day with a simple and intimate ceremony. Together, they shared 28 years of unwavering love and partnership, filled with laughter, compassion, and shared dreams. John's legacy is carried forward by his devoted wife Erlene, his daughters Janna (Brent) Christian, Priscilla (Peter) Parrish, and Mitzi Bedell, as well as his adored grandchildren John Wesley Zavadil, April Bairrington, Kelly Christian, Mitchell Christian, Kristen Stacha, Clinton Stacha, Nicholas Bedell, Chase Bedell, and Bradi Bedell. His great-grandchildren Jaxton Crawford, Blake Noahubi, Haley Bairrington, Kylee Bairrington, and Thomas Eric (Kelly) Jackson will continue to feel the warmth of his love and wisdom. John's educational journey began at Gonzales High School, where he graduated in 1957, followed by Texas Lutheran College (now Texas Lutheran University) in 1962. He served honorably in the 36th Infantry Division at Fort Hood, Texas, and was a proud member of the 49th Armored Division at Fort Polk, Louisiana, demonstrating his dedication and service to his country. Professionally, John was a man of many talents. He began his career with the John Deere Company in Houston in the early 1960s before dedicating himself to education as a teacher and coach in Nixon, Texas, and at Gonzales Junior High School for 28 years. His passion for learning and community extended to the airwaves, where he served as a beloved DJ for KCTI's 1450 Polka Club for 17 years, earning the Texas Polka Music Association DJ of the Year award in 1996. As a charter member of The Czech Heritage Society of Texas, John's love for his heritage was profound. He contributed to the rich tapestry of his community's history, co-authoring "Czech Footprints Across the Bluebonnet Fields: Early Czechs in Gonzales County" in 1986. His voice became a staple on "Polka Time in Texas," where he shared his passion for music and culture in multiple languages, a testament to his love for the people he served. John was also actively involved with the American Legion Post #40 of Gonzales and First Evangelical Lutheran Church, where he served as a Sunday School Teacher, Church Treasurer, and Publicity Chairman. Together with Erlene, he contributed to the "God's Work Our Hands Kitchen," a ministry dedicated to feeding the needy, embodying his selfless spirit and commitment to helping others. John's pride in his ranch and his innovative "dead men" fencing technique are lasting symbols of his dedication and ingenuity. His fences, like his legacy, stand strong and resilient, a testament to a life well-lived. Though we mourn the physical absence of John Lowell Zavadil, his spirit will forever be a guiding light for his family, friends, and community. His life was a testament to love, service, and cultural celebration, and his memory will continue to inspire all who had the privilege of knowing him.