Martin A. Mr. Zerda

On March 10, 2020 Mr. Martin A. Zerda was called to our Lord as he peacefully passed in his sleep in the comfort of his home, surrounded by the love of his family in San Antonio, TX. 'Marty' as he was lovingly referred to, was born in the little country town of Hobson, in Karnes County, TX to Martin and Josefa Garcia Zerda, September 4, 1935. Growing up in the country shaped much of his character and most definitely shaped his sense of humor. He joked that his town once claimed a population of about 130 folks, but was pretty sure that number included some chickens and a dog or two. If you spoke to him, you better not be in any kind of hurry because he always was going to ask you how you and everyone you knew were doing. After that he'd start sharing some interesting perspective or philosophy on life and he'd want to hear your opinion on it too, and if he really liked you he just might pick up the guitar and sing a song for you. Being down to earth and simple was his nature, and his life was a testament to how someone with such an unassuming appearance can have such a profound impact on others.

Of the many topics Dad loved to discuss were his fond memories growing up in the little home built by hand with his parents, three brothers and four sisters. Born into the great depression times were hard but none-the-less wonderful as he grew up fishing, hunting, swimming, playing ball, picking a little guitar, and picking a lot of crops to help the family as best he could. Grandma and Grandpa raised the family Catholic, and Dad's faith played a huge role in how he lived his life. He was educated in the town schoolhouse by some pretty tough, but loving, nuns until it was time to attend Falls City High School just down the road. Although lean and slight in stature, Dad played sports tenaciously for the Falls City Beavers, and was quite an athletic talent in football, baseball, and track & field. He loved the community where he was raised, and was so grateful for the family, relatives, friends, and classmates he grew up with. He adored reminiscing about the good old days with his friends at the annual Beaver Round-up.

Our Dad would never say that he was an over achiever, he would just say that life was all about attitude and visualization. When asked about how he accomplished something he'd just say in a matter-of-fact manner, 'it's simple, whenever you step up to the plate, in your mind you should always swing for the fences.' He was offered a job in the minor leagues and a track scholarship to Texas A&M, but in those days it was rare to be compensated like today's modern pro athletes. Instead he chose the safer route to work and attend San Antonio College where he could best help his family. He later joined the US Army and did well in the service; he spent time in Germany, and was always chosen to do jobs that required the most competence and responsibility. After his time in the service, he came back to San Antonio and attended St. Mary's University where he completed a bachelor's degree in finance. He often remarked that 'he didn't know how in the world I was able to do it, but I did it.' Although he was quite proud of this accomplishment, he was never boastful and was forever a huge advocate for education. He went on to be employed as a civil servant at Fort Sam Houston in San Antonio, Texas and worked in finance and accounting.

Dad met his wife Yolanda through mutual friends while attending college. They were married by the Catholic Church, the day after his birthday, started a family, and were blessed with three wonderful children Lisa, Yvonne, and Joseph. Mom and Dad both worked hard and lovingly sacrificed to afford their children a great childhood and were so proud to have been able to provide their children with a Catholic education. Dad loved to see his children grow up playing sports and always attended games, practices, and assisted in coaching whenever needed, even if he didn't necessary know how to play the sport. Dad deeply appreciated the benefits of organized sports, fitness, and loved to see people of all ages be active, get out there, and play ball. He appreciated the network of engaged parents who helped support all of us children as we grew up playing sports together. Beyond this, Dad passionately believed that participating in sports and activities developed your character, which would benefit you throughout your entire life. Whether you won or lost, they taught you how to master yourself.

Dad believed wholeheartedly in making time for the development of his children and of others. He spent countless hours helping us with homework, memorizing vocabulary words, multiplication tables, writing essays, authoring poems, making the best lunches, and attending school events. Even more amazing was the time he made to spend with us practicing sports, and mentoring not only us but our teammates as well. He understood that the primarily role of a coach and of a parent was to build a child's confidence. Developing a person's belief in his or her own abilities was paramount to him, for they would reap more benefit from that than anything else you could teach them. Till the day he passed, he was so touched by the countless folks he saw who may have gotten off to a slow start in sports and activities, but who were able to stick with it and 'get with the program.' He was so proud to see them go beyond themselves to become key contributors to the team, and most importantly see how that same fortitude contributed to their success in life.

Through the grace of God, Dad was able to see us children go onto college and most importantly do so carrying the confidence that he spent his life cultivating. He was so proud of us children, his grandchildren, his nieces, his nephews and we are all blessed to have had his love and support for so many years. The last days of his life were lived surrounded by the prayers, love, and affection of his family. He loved us all that he could, he received all the love that he could, and was able to come to peace knowing that he had played his life to the best of his ability; once again surpassing all imaginable expectations. There aren't enough words or pages for anyone to describe what our Dad's life meant to us, and to all those who knew him. The best we can do is to simply say that he gave us the most precious gift of the foundation of faith. He taught us in detail what hope means. Because of him we know that we are, and always will be loved. Now, as he would have it, it's up to us to do our best to do the same for others until the day we are reunited with him in heaven. God bless you Pop, we love you so much.

Dad is survived by his loving wife Yolanda; daughter Lisa; daughter Yvonne, son-in-law Josh, grandchildren Jude and Julia; his son Joseph; and numerous other loved ones. Due to recent public gathering size restrictions from our public health officials concerning the COVID-19 epidemic, we are unable to have open funeral services. We will schedule a Mass and Celebration of Dad's Life at a date to be determined once restrictions have been lifted. Our family kindly appreciates your understanding, and we know that Dad would want those he loves to be as safe and healthy as possible during this time.