Robert D. Zachary

Aug. 28, 1918 - Sept. 8, 2010

Bob, 92, passed away at his home on Wednesday, Sept. 8, 2010, surrounded by his loving family and caregivers. He was born in Denning, Ark., on

Aug. 28, 1918 to William T and Mattie Lindsey Zachary, the third of seven children. His mother passed away when he was 11 years old, and his father later married Eunice Kimbro.

He grew up on farms in Arkansas and Oklahoma, but spent most of his adult life in California, 61 years of it in Vallejo.

He married Ila D McCoy on Jan. 14, 1939, and they were married for more than 70 years before Ila passed away last year. Together, they raised three daughters, Doris Gail, Patricia, and Roberta.

Besides his parents and his wife Ila, he was preceded in death by his daughter, Patricia; his brothers, William O, and James; and his sisters, Georgia and Elonda.

He is survived by his daughter and son-in-law, Doris Gail and Roger Waterman; daughter and son-in-law, Roberta and Brent Johnson; and son-in-law Joseph Posedel; grandchildren, Lori and Mike

Skotarzak; Tracy and Del Royer; Chris Waterman; Bob and Margarita Posedel; Lynne Posedel; Greg Waterman; and Joel Johnson and fiance Melissa Keogh; great-grandchildren, Nicole and Garrett; Mike, Amy, Bobby, Gary, Johnny, Lindsey, Amanda, and David; great-great grandchildren, Sonny, Emery and Norah; sisters, Mary Lee and Hazel; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law Joanne and Bill, Gerald, Mary, Frances, and Naomi, as well as many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Bob worked in law enforcement while living in southern California, as a police officer for the city of Upland, and as a deputy sheriff for San Bernardino County. In 1949, he moved his family to Vallejo and joined Painter's Local No. 376 here. He painted for many years, then became business agent for the Local, serving in that capacity for 13 years.

Bob played guitar and enjoyed country music. He was an avid fisherman and hunter, and enjoyed vegetable gardening, as his father did. He and Ila spent many hours in their garden and always grew more than enough to share with family and friends. Together they traveled across the country twice, and also returned to their native Arkansas many times.

They enjoyed camping, fishing and RVing at Lake Berryessa, Clear Lake and Pismo Beach. Bob had a long, full life and leaves all his family and friends with many happy memories.

Bob's family extends deep gratitude to Kim and Diana of Sutter VNA and Hospice; Joey of Abba, our wonderful caregivers Mila, Cele, Lito, Carol and Myrna; Martin, Wilma, Carol and the entire staff at Merrill Gardens North Bay. You all helped in making this difficult time so much easier by being there for us! Bob enjoyed his many friends who came to see him during his illness, with a special thanks to Eddie Martinez and Ricardo Montalvan. Thank you all!

Donations preferred in Bob's name to Sutter VNA and Hospice, 4071 Port Chicago Highway, Suite 120, Concord, CA 94520; or OAS c/o the American Cancer Society, 744 Empire St., Suite 206, Fairfield, 94533; or Global Center for Success, 1055 Azuar Drive, Vallejo, 94592.

Burial will be at the Sacramento Valley National Cemetery, Dixon. A celebration of life will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 18, at Merrill Gardens North Bay, 2261 Tuolumne St., Vallejo, second floor, pavilion and patio area.

Arrangements under the direction of Skyview Memorial Lawn, Vallejo.