John William Zech

Services were held on Saturday, February 21, 2026 at 10:30am at Taylor's Valley Baptist Church in Temple.

While his parents were missionaries, John was born February 24, 1948, in Humacao, Puerto Rico, the son of Harry Edward and Edna (Smith) Zech. He married Barbara Jane Tinnerman in Westerville, Ohio on December 20, 1969.

John attended a Spanish-speaking elementary school in Ponce, Puerto Rico, graduating from a small English-speaking high school. He began his college education at Otterbein College, Westerville, Ohio, proudly graduating from The Ohio State University.

He was a faithful member of Taylor’s Valley Baptist Church, where he sang in the choir and served on the Kitchen Team. For 28 years, John and his partner Michael Wedding were golfing soulmates and successful owner/operators of Pine Forest Golf Club in Bastrop and Fox Creek Golf Club in Hempstead. Prior to following his dream of owning a golf course, he worked for 15 years with Nestlé Foods, working his way up to plant manager. He also spent several years teaching seventh grade science and ninth grade special education, a role that reflected his patience and dedication to helping others succeed.

John is survived by his loving wife of 56 years, Barbara Zech of Temple; sons, Neal Zech and wife Kimberly of Encinitas, California, and Kyle Zech and wife Giesla of Cypress, Texas; grandchildren, Jacob, Julie, John, and Jane Zech of Encinitas, and Braxton Zech of Cypress; brother, Charles “Chuck” Zech and wife Virginia of Cincinnati, Ohio; sister, Harriet Hunter of Dover, Pennsylvania; niece, June Cooper and husband Craig of Canal Winchester, Ohio.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a brother, Robert Zech; and a nephew, Richard Zech.

John will be remembered for his strong work ethic, his servant’s heart, his love of family, and the friendships he built throughout his life. His legacy lives on in the many lives he touched through his family, work, his church, and his community.