Zack was born in Springfield, MO, and grew up in St. Louis, where he graduated from Parkway Central High School and was a member of the Boy Scouts of America and the B'nai B'rith Youth Organization.
In addition to his parents, Zachary is survived by his brothers, Trey Dowell of St. Louis, and Adam Kelne of Lawrence, KS, a sister-in-law, Trish Dowd Kelne, of Lawrence, KS, and grandfather, Carl M. Hapes of Kansas City, MO.