Elijah Efraim Zavala

Elijah Efraim Zavala, was born on August 29, 1994 in Wauseon, Ohio and passed away at the young age of 26. Elijah was dedicated to the Lord at an early age and strongly believed in God and had great faith. He was a loved Son, Father, Brother, Cousin, and friend to many that knew him. Elijah enjoyed life and became the center of attention in any room he entered. He was known for his deep booming voice and infectious laugh. Family and friends can all share Elijah stories from the various events he attended. His light was the light that always shined brightest.

One constant in his life was the unbreakable bond he shared with his siblings, big sister, Jazmin and little brother, Josiah. The bond that started early and remained until the end.

Elijah excelled in school and was a multi-sport athlete at an early age, until he settled on football, a sport he was passionate about. Elijah excelled here as well and was a key player of the Homestead Spartan defense during his high school years. His abilities allowed him to obtain a football scholarship with the University of St. Francis Cougars.

After his days at St. Francis, Elijah worked in car sales, where he enjoyed the competitive nature of the business, something that appealed to his former football days.

However, it was Elana Zimmerman, who was the highlight of post high school years. Elijah adored Elana, who served as his strength and love of his life. Through their bond, they were blessed with the birth of a daughter, Eliana Ryan “Lili”, the love of their lives.

Unfortunately, his light dimmed too soon for his friends and family. Elijah, though no longer with us physically, has left us with many fond memories that will last with us always. Elijah is survived by his parents, Efraim Zavala and Veronica Quintana-Flowers; siblings, Jazmin A. Zavala and Josiah E. Zavala; his life partner and fiancé, Elana Zimmerman; daughter, Eliana; grandparents, uncles, aunts, cousins, and a host of friends.

Though the light he had no longer shines, the warmth he provided will remain in our hearts forever.

Funeral services will be 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday March 31, 2021 at New Covenant Worship Center, 3420 East Paulding Road, Fort Wayne. Visitation will also be from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. and 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. on Tuesday, March 30, 2021 at D.O. McComb and Sons Covington Knolls Funeral Home, 8325 Covington Road, Fort Wayne. Burial will be in Greenlawn Memorial Park, Fort Wayne.

Memorials may be made to the Eliana Ryan Zavala Trust Fund in care of Central Soya Credit Union, 1200 North 2nd Street, Decatur, Indiana 46733.