Richard Julius Zuhlke

RICHARD JULIUS ZUHLKE, 63, passed away on Thursday, June 29, 2006 after a long, brave battle with cancer. Richard was born on August 5, 1942 in Jourdanton, TX. Preceded in death by his parents, William F. and Martha Zuhlke, of Jourdanton, he is survived by his wife, Sharon; three children, Richard A. Zuhlke, of Lafayette, LA, Ronald C. Zuhlke and friend Melody Blackstock of Spring, TX, and Laurie Varner; two grandchildren, Reece and Logan Varner; two brothers and sisters-in-law, William F. "Billy" Zuhlke and Vlasta of Jourdanton and Harold C. Zuhlke and Marilyn of Corpus Christi; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Dick Smith and friend David Giragosian, Jim and Barbara Smith of Melrose, NM, Jake and Kay Provencio of Las Cruces, NM, and Gene and Cleaun Newman of Portales, NM; and numerous nieces, nephews and other relatives and friends. Richard worked as a machine shop foreman at John Crane/Flexibox, where he had worked for over 35 years and where he had many friends and colleagues who stood by him during his long illness. Richard was a devoted father and grandfather who took great joy in his family. His passing is a great loss to his family and friends and he leaves an abundance of cherished memories of his love and generosity. Friends are invited to visit with the family starting at 12 Noon on Sunday, July 2, 2006 in the chapel of Forest Park Westheimer Funeral home, 128000 Westheimer, where a 1 p.m. funeral service will be held. Graveside services and burial will follow later in the week in Melrose Cemetery in Melrose, NM.