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Clyde E. Zellers Jr.

1918 - 2007

BORN

1918

DIED

2007

About

Texas Christian University University of Texas

Clyde Zellers Obituary

Clyde E. Zellers Jr., 89, a retired Methodist minister, devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and brother, passed away peacefully Sunday evening, Sept. 2, 2007, after battling several lengthy illnesses.
Cryptside service: 1 p.m. Friday in Greenwood Mausoleum. Visitation: 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday at Greenwood Funeral Home.
Memorials: May be made to the Humane Society, American Cancer Society or Alzheimer's Association.
Clyde Zellers was born in Weatherford on July 18, 1918, to the late Clyde Everett and Lura Lindsay Zellers. He grew up on a farm, where he cultivated his love of gardening, nature and animals. He and his recently deceased brother, Larry Zellers of Weatherford, were lifelong friends and loved their hometown.
He attended Weatherford public schools and Weatherford Junior College before going to the University of Texas at Austin. His years at UT were interrupted by World War II and he enlisted in the Army Air Corps. He received three Bronze Service Stars and one Silver Star during his time in Europe, Africa and the Middle East.
After the war, he married the love of his life, Lorene Hord, and they spent 53 years together before her passing in 1998. They resided in Fort Worth in the early years and then moved in 1956 to North Richland Hills, where Clyde served as mayor before becoming involved in the ministry. A park has been dedicated to him in North Richland Hills for his years of dedicated service to his community. A kind neighbor, he was unknown for years as the person who would rethrow the neighbors' papers up close to their doorways after the paper boy didn't quite make the mark.
Clyde was always young at heart. A runner bringing home trophies for winning in his age group, he often came in second place, complaining a bit that some "old guy" had beaten him out of first. The older gentleman whom he referred to was actually younger than he was. He served on many committees, including Senior Citizens of Tarrant County, and was a tireless volunteer for Family Hospice, serving as chaplain, among others.
A lifelong student, he finished his degree at TCU and then went on to Brite Divinity School. He was a master Mason, world traveler, organic farmer, "corny" joke teller and avid crossroad puzzle cheater. He knew no stranger and blessed everyone he met.
Special thanks to the Park at Beckett Meadows in Austin, Hill Country Care in Dripping Springs and Hospice Austin.
Survivors: Daughter, Sandra Zellers of Austin and her sweetheart, Tommy Tolson; granddaughter, Sunny Hyde and husband, Lance; great-grandson, Dean of Austin; nieces, Brenda Blizzard and Jessica Harrison; nephew, Mike Hord; and sisters-in-law, Frances Zellers and Joy Hord Edwards.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Star-Telegram on Sep. 5, 2007.

Memories and Condolences
for Clyde Zellers

14 Entries

Tommy Tolson

September 4, 2008

I met Clyde after I met Sandy, his daughter, and fell in love with her. He told me, many times, "She's a wonderful person." To the very end, he looked after Sandy. He was right about her, too. She's a great wife.

Nancy & Rudy Upchurch

November 4, 2007

Clyde, we often use you as an example of what every Christian should be. As a co-worker, neighbor and friend you were tops.
You lived your principles regardless of the consequences. We have many memories of you, Lorene and Sandy--all of them good.
I am sure God has blessed you.
Nancy & Rudy Upchurch

Marva Ditmore (was Shaw

October 5, 2007

Sandra:
Your father was very instramemtal in getting me back into church after being out a long long time.
My son went to prison in 1984 and I worked (my second job) in a club at night.
I was a reck, and a friend of mine; Francis Petty invited me to the Methodist Church where he was preaching. The church was so friendly, and he helped me so much.
When we got home from church he called. And I was defensive, I told him I worked in a bar and I had to--to feed my kids. Unlike the other churches I had reached out to; he said "now Marva, if you quit today, they would just hire someone else, just keep going to church and the Lord will help you get out of that place".
My son is still in Prison (23yr)and I couldn't make it with out my Lord.I married a christan man in 1995 and we are at church working and worshiping (Ridglea Baptist) all the time. I love the Lord and thank your father all the time for helping me get back to church.
I just found out today that your dad had died and my prayers go out to you.

Irene Oldfather

September 13, 2007

Dear Sandy,
How lucky you were to have such a special father. It is very heart warming reading about him and to see how he has influenced who you have become. Even though you must be sad, you must also have a great amount of pride for who he was and what he has left you in memories and spirit. I regret not having the opportunity to meet him, but I am blessed to have you in my life. Life will be different now and it will not always be easy but friends do help and I want you to know I am one of them. Please let me know if I can do anything for you. Love and Blessings, irene

Ann Williams

September 13, 2007

Many fond memories of your father - and mother - when they served at Minters Chapel. He was a special man. Those whose lives he touched I'm sure can clearly hear "well done, good and faithful servant".

The pain of absence during this time is real. In certainty of the home in which they now live is peace. In certainty of the family reunion in which they now take part is joy.

God bless and keep you until you are reunited.

Trish & Rick McDaniel

September 11, 2007

Clyde and Lorene sat in the pew in front of us at Polytechnic UMC after his retirement. They were wonderful people and so cute together. It was a joy to know them. I remember Clyde would run and Lorene would get on to him for not wearing a hat.

Tamara Moore

September 11, 2007

Sandy:
We did not have the pleasure of knowing your father long, but the short time we did know him was a blessing. He would wheel up and down the halls at Hill Country speaking to everyone. It was an honor and privildge to care for him. We only wish we had had more time with him. Our thoughts now turn to you and your family and hope you will be comforted with the love and memories of your Dad. He was a truly special man.

Respectfully,

gary sengbusch

September 10, 2007

sandy,
god bless yu and your family. i pray for the journey that your father is on in this segment of the existence of his soul.

many Blessings to you family.
Gary Sengubsch

Kenzie Heimbecker

September 10, 2007

Greetings Sandy,

I know what you are going through is extremely difficult. You are always such a ray of sunshine and I know that is in part due to all of the love and effort that Mimi and Pa put into you! Pa was such a wonderful man and had a great sense of humor. His daily long distance running should put all of us to shame and make us want to go grab our running shoes. What an inspiration!

His tireless service to his community set him apart from all others. He truly did dedicate his entire life to make the world a better place and that is not a quality you find in many people.

I have very fond memories of both of your parents, they really were a class act. They went through life in such a loving and caring way, the way we all want to live our lives but sometimes fall short.

They are back together now and for eternity and that is a happy thought that you can keep close to your heart throughout the pain.

With much love,

Paloma Kennedy

September 9, 2007

Dear Sandy and Sunny,
I know what a wonderful man your father and grandfater is from what you have shared with me over the years, and perhaps more tellingly, from the testimony of your loving and giving lives carrying on his example. My heart goes out to you all. I know Clyde and Lorene will be watching over you wherever you are. Sending love and a big hug,

Sharon Craven

September 7, 2007

Please accept my sympathy for the terrible loss of your Father. Sandra, you don't know me, but I heard so much about you from your Father, I feel like I have known you forever. I would like to share a memory I have of your Father. I met Clyde when he called to offer me help when I lost my mother in 1991. He was with the Hospice organization that had taken care of my mother for a very short time. I was overcome with grief just as you are now. Clyde called me at least every week for months after my loss. I am not sure how different my life would be now if I had not met your Father and listened to his every word. He offered me a look at my life that I was too blind with grief to see. We had so many laughs once I was able to laugh again, which I could, once Clyde worked with me through my grief. We tried to have lunch at least once a month after that. He talked about you so much and I got the feeling he was such a wonderful, caring parent. We took turns buying lunch and always laughed the entire time. We went grocery shopping one day on my lunch hour. The man I worked for donated a large sum of money after I told him about one of Clyde's patients who was a young single mother dying of cancer. I can still remember the look on Clyde’s face when I told him about the money and asked him if we go together to get groceries. We bought three or four carts full of groceries that day and we shared tears and laughs while picking out every possible grocery item we could think of that her children would enjoy. After I begged and pestered him for hours, he agreed to let me go with him to take the food to the woman's home that same evening. We put the food away together and we sat down on the side of the mother's bed as Clyde held our hands and prayed. The joy I felt inside that day made me understand why Clyde did what he did for Hospice. I will never forget that day. I didn't know until I read his obituary today all he did for others. What a special man, Sandra, and how fortunate you are to be his daughter.

bonnie morris

September 7, 2007

Sandra --

There is little that will bring comfort now but happy memories do finally replace the pain of these days. Your father was an extraordinary person -- he always had a smile, kind words and more importantly encouragement -- life never seemed to get him down -- he was a great role-model and friend to me on many occasions.

Okley Moss

September 7, 2007

Clyde was a great friend to me. When my twin sister was ill he was there at her beside. A fine minister at Englewood Hts Meth and his lovely wife made a real pair.

Valerie Oxford

September 5, 2007

Clyde was a very special man and I loved working with him at Family Service Hospice. We made a great team for over 9 years (volunteers first and then as social worker & chaplain), especially when we had to go into "risky" situations. Always the gentleman, Clyde would go into the homes first, "just in case someone was loading up their gun." He seldom frowned and I never saw him sad until his wife died. Clyde performed my wedding in 1992 and we somberly joked many times afterwards that it wasn't his service that kept it from "taking hold". Only thing that lasted from that marriage was the video of the service and I am glad I have Clyde on tape to remember him by. I know you will hear many, many great stories about Clyde and I hope they will be of some comfort to you. He was a wonderful man.

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