Wilburn Zack Risher

Wilburn (Pete) Zack Risher of Salinas California passed away peacefully on November 30th, 2025. He was surrounded by family who loved him very much.
Pete, as he was known by most, was born on April 7th 1934 in Banks Arkansas to Zach and Leota Risher. Pete is one of six siblings. Pete followed in his brothers Dan Lee and Charles Risher footsteps and joined the service. He joined the Air Force in May of 1951 as an Engineer on various aircrafts. He served a three year contract and deployed in war time to Korea. He was honorably discharged from the Air Force in August of 1953. After serving in the military, Pete continued his love for playing baseball and was picked up by the St Louis Cardinals minor league. After playing baseball for a number of years, Pete moved out to California. He started work at the major airline at that time as an Engineer. He started a family and had two sons David and James Risher. He began working in the manufacturing of explosive devices from his understanding of engineer work from the Air Force. He worked his way up and became Plant Manager of several companies throughout the Bay Area. He then moved south of the bay area to Salinas around 1987. He started a new family with his current wife, Shirley, who was known as the love of his life. They together were married 40 years. They had two children, Joseph and Joann. He worked in the industry for over thirty years and chose to retire around 1995 to focus on being a stay at home dad. While enjoying retirement, Pete loved to garden, can apple sauce and jelly from his apple tree in his backyard, watch baseball, football, and nascar. His love beyond his wife and children, were his pets. He was a lover of cats and dogs, having taken care of a number of pets throughout his life. His beloved Sassy, his Golden Labrador knew his time was coming to an end and herself passed away just two days prior to Pete knowning they needed to be together.
Pete was preceded in death by his parents, Zach and Leota Risher. His siblings, Dan Lee and Charles Risher, Elvie Belin and Elsie Brewer. His oldest son David Risher. He is survived by his sister Gracie Mcdaniel, his wife Shirley Risher, his three children, James and wife Lori Risher, Joseph Risher, and Joann and husband Joe Brubaker. His grandchildren Hannah Risher, and Jace and Maverick Brubaker.
A burial service will be held at a later time at California Central Coast Veterans Cemetery located at 2900 Parker Flats Road, Seaside, Ca 93955. His last wish was to be buried in a military cemetery similarly to his brothers. Further information in regards to service will be provided to immediate family and friends only.