Ray Louis Zabawa, Sr.

Ray Louis Zabawa, Sr. 88, of Port Charlotte passed away May 31, 2011. Ray was born January 26, 1923 in Englehard, North Carolina to Mae (Nixon) and Louis Zabawa. He married Mary Ellen Barkenquast on December 23, 1944 in Washington, DC. Ray was a United States Navy veteran, serving his country from 1942 through 1948. He lived in Ida, MI from the time of his discharge until retiring to Port Charlotte, FL where he lived in his home until Tuesday. He owned Ideal Asphalt Company and was a member of Operating Engineers, Local 324. He had been a charter member of Prince of Peace Lutheran Church and a charter member of the American Legion Lynn C. Weeman Post 514. Ray loved to fish, play cards, sing songs, tell jokes and visit with his family. Ray will be greatly missed by his sons, Robert (Sandra) of Ida, MI, Ronald (Lynne) of Temperance, MI and Randall of Ottawa Lake, MI; daughters, Mary Jane (John) Leland of Otsego, MI, Marcia Doeble of Port Charlotte, FL, Marla Calevro of Perrysburg, OH and Melinda Zabawa of Battle Creek.MI; brother, Paul Zabawa; brother-in-law, Lauren Eipperle, 21 grandchildren, 26 great-grandchildren and many nieces, nephews and companion Anita Jillson of Port Charlotte. He was preceded in death by his wife Mary Ellen in 2002, son Ray L. Zabawa, Jr. in January, brothers Robert, Roderick and Phillip Zabawa, grandson Shane Zabawa and great-granddaughter Angelia Zabawa A memorial service is planned for 4:00 p.m. Saturday, June 4th, at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church in Ida. Pastor Ted Kerr will officiate. Memorials may be made to the Muscular Dystrophy Association or the Arthritis Foundation. To express condolences to the family please sign the online guest book.