Edwin Bernard Zly

Edwin B. Zly passed away peacefully on January 6, 2025 at the wonderful age of 97. He was a devoted father, grandfather, great-grandfather and great-great-grandfather (known to many as Popo). Edwin was a member of America’s Greatest Generation.

 He was born in Rowena, Texas to Eleanora Fisher Zly and Cyril (CJ) Zly on March 21, 1927. 

Edwin grew up on a farm and attended grade school in the red brick schoolhouse in Lowake, Texas, and high school at St. Joseph High School in Rowena, Texas. He was drafted in 1945 and entered active duty in the US Army Air Force at Fort Sam Houston in San Antonio, Texas on May 16, 1945. He was trained as a gunner for a mobile 37-mm anti-tank gun. He was in Company B, 808th Engineer Aviation Battalion. He left for the Asiatic-Pacific Theater on November 3, 1945 on a troupe transport, the USS General Haan. The voyage took about a month to travel to Nagasaki Japan and arrived on Christmas Day 1945. His decorations were the Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Ribbon, Meritorious Unit Award with one gold star, Army of Occupation Ribbon (Japan), WWII Victory Ribbon and one Overseas Service Bar. He returned to the US on October 30, 1946 and was Honorably discharged on December 19, 1946.

After his discharge he returned to Ballinger, Texas where he helped with farming. He also worked at the tin shop for Walter Mueller. Walter’s son, Harold, and Edwin moved windmills from dry wells to new wells. They became lifelong friends. He then went to work for BDC Construction Company. In 1950 the company was in the process of building the Ballinger swimming pool. While working on the swimming pool Edwin was asked to go to work at West Texas Butane. After a few years there, E.P. Talbott bought West Texas Butane and he worked in the butane business for 28 years. In the late 70’s, he went to work for Mueller Supply and was there for 14 years until he retired in the spring of 1992.

He married Marcella Fischer on September 28, 1954 at St. Boniface Catholic Church in Olfen, Texas. Edwin and Marcella had six daughters, Ellen Jean, Karla Marie, Laura Ann, Martha June, Eddie Frances, and Rebecca Dawn. Marcella died on April 1, 1968 from breast cancer. Edwin was left with the responsibility of their six daughters, ages 2 to 12.

 He married Eldoris Hoelscher Goetz on November 28, 1970 at St. Joseph Church in Rowena. She had two children, Joan Goetz Lange and Herbert Goetz, Jr. Together Edwin and Eldoris created a home that was a wonderful gathering place for the whole family which has grown to more than 70 members. They loved spending time with their big family. He and Eldoris had a long life together, celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary prior to her passing in December 2020. 

Edwin and Eldoris were long time members of St Mary’s Church which was one of their highest priorities in life. Together they participated in numerous projects for the church for many years – from cleaning to singing in the choir, they did it all. They set a Christian example for the family and so many others. They were honored by Knights of Columbus for Family of the Year for their dedication to God, family and community.

 Edwin was a master wood crafter. He became interested in wood at an early age. Without formal training or any previous experience, he started working with just a few hand tools, and with plenty of patience and dedication he would later master the art of wood carving like no other. He combined his love of old cars with his love of wood carving to create the most unique pieces. Some of his collection had been displayed at the First National Bank and several of his projects were entered in area shows and won “Best in Show” several times.

Service to his country was an important part of his life. He joined the Texas National Guard Company B, 36th Division in early 1948 and served until his retirement in 1978. His service in federal and state armed forces totals 33 years. He was recently awarded Congressional Recognition of his exceptional service in the United States Army Air Force during WWII. His determination, selflessness and unwavering commitment played a crucial role in shaping the world as we know it today. A US flag was presented to him. He also received a Texas State flag in honor of his service to the WWII U.S. Army/National Guard.

 He was preceded in death by his parents, his first wife Marcella Fischer Zly; his second wife Eldoris Goetz Zly; two daughters, Karla Zly Cook and Eddie Zly Wiese; sons-in-law Johnny Cook and David Duke; sister Regina Zly Cooksey, brothers Clarence (Buddy) Zly and Daniel Zly.

Edwin is survived by his children, Jeanie Duke of Ballinger, Laura Brevard (Brad) of Ballinger, Martha Rose (Rick) of Ballinger, Rebecca Livingston (Mark) of Colleyville, Joan Goetz Lange (Dennis) of Miles, and Herbert Steven Goetz (Vicki) of San Antonio. He is also survived by his son-in-law Calvin Wiese of Hamilton, Ohio. He is survived by 13 grandchildren - Dena Kalina, Marshal Lange, Lori Hannasch, Aaron Goetz, Tony Duke, Adam Cook, Heather Lukas, Russell Rogers, Beau Brevard, Kimberly Lorenz, Skylar White, Matthew Wiese, Mitchell Wiese, and Karli Livingston. He is also survived by numerous great-grandchildren, and great-great grandchildren. 

A rosary will be held on Friday, January 10, 2025 at 6:00 pm at the chapel at Lange Funeral Home in Ballinger, Texas. Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, January 11, 2025 at 10:00 am at St. Mary’s Star of the Sea Catholic Church Ballinger with Father Tom Barley officiating. Interment will follow in Olfen, Texas at St. Boniface Catholic Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Ballinger Healthcare and Rehab Center, or Home Health/Hospice of Ballinger on his behalf. The family wishes to thank Ballinger Healthcare and Rehab Center for their loving care and comfort of Edwin over the last year and a half.