Tony Joseph Zellers

Tony was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Mickye Lynne Zellers; his mother, Lucille Altman; his father, John Altman; his sister, Connie Boren; and his brother, Nick Zellers.

He is survived by his loving family, including his three daughters: Carrie (Danielle) Barno and her husband, Jeff Barno; April Lawrence; and Sarah Turner. He is also survived by his stepson, Jon Manning, and his wife, Shelly Manning.

Tony leaves behind his cherished grandchildren: Samantha Barno, Hayley Barno, Mckenzie Barno, Cambrea Ulrick and her husband, Spencer, Dakota Lawrence, Gage Lawrence, Lily Turner, Bredyn Stephenson and her husband, Darrell, Bodie Lynne Bland, Emily Manning, and Jake Manning.

He is further survived by his great-grandchildren: Slade Shepherd, Lucas Ulrick, Lawson Ulrick, Carter Lawrence, Tyler Hansen, Manning Stephenson,Kolter Stephenson, and Rexford Stephenson; as well as his niece, Lacey Cornette, and nephew, Ron Hickerson.

Tony was born in Inkster, Michigan, and raised in Findlay, Ohio, where he experienced the camaraderie of a brother, the companionship of a sister, and the unwavering love of his mother. He was also blessed with a father, John, whose love and presence in his life were a true testament to the meaning of chosen love.

Later in life, Tony moved from Ohio to Arizona with his first wife, Lynn, the mother of his three daughters. During that time, he created lasting memories with his children taking them to the Grand Canyon, teaching them how to swim, and embracing wholeheartedly the role he treasured most: being a father.

Tony spent many years working in the oil and gas industry, where he gained the knowledge and experience that would later lead him to become a business owner.

In 1990, his career brought him to Texas, where he would reside for the next 35 years. It was there that he met and married his beloved wife, Mickye Lynne Zellers.

Tony ran a successful business, nurtured relationships, and never didn’t make a connection with the person he was in front of.

To know him was to love him. He never met a stranger, offering kindness and warmth to everyone he met. His simple jokes or smile, had a way of lifting the spirits of anyone around him.

He was more than a Pawpaw and Dad to those he encountered. He was a mentor, a confidant, and a steady presence. He was the one who answered every call and never failed to show up, no matter the need. He listened without judgment, offered guidance even in difficult moments.

He was a constant source of encouragement to everyone he loved. He gave generously of himself, by simply making sure those he loved never felt alone. In quiet, everyday moments, his care was always there.

He taught those he loved the importance of self advocacy, the value of kindness, and the strength in standing firm without being taken advantage of. He showed that patience is learned, often through his own stubborn determination. Most of all, he taught that love is a choice, and that sometimes the deepest bonds are not those we are born into, but those we are blessed to choose.

His love, his lessons, and his presence will live on in the hearts of those who knew him. He will always be remembered not only as a Pawpaw and Dad, but as anyone's best friend, and a man whose love knew no bounds. He will live on as long as his family is here to say his name.