Herbert John Zapata III

Herbert John Zapata III passed away peacefully on July 2nd, 2026 at 71 years of age. He was born on July 27th, 1954 in Los Angeles, California.

John was tall, handsome, humble, intelligent, serious, present in every moment. He touched the lives of many, and will be missed by his family and friends.

John is survived by his wife Ana, and children: Charles, John and Tynese Blanks, and Holly and Brandy. His siblings: Evelyn, Norma and Manuel, Arnold and Ivette, Arthur and Gloria, and Mark and DeeDee. As well as his nieces and nephews, and grandchildren: Alex, Taylor, Gannon, Isabella, Noah and Maliyah as well as his great-grandchildren. Goddaughters Sophia and Bell. Brother in law Jose Antonio and Mary and sister in law Carmen and Angel.,nieces and nephews and their kids.

John served in the in the United States Air Force in the Vietnam war starting in 1973, and was Honorably Discharged in 1979. During his time in the Air Force he earned the rank of Senior Airman and worked as a Radio Relay Equipment Specialist.

He had a love and appreciation of all Sports, namely Basketball. He was a super star on his high school’s basketball team. His mother had a court at her house for the entire family to play, there he was able to pass on his love for the game to the family. He coached little league baseball, a natural teacher he mentored many people in sports, music, arts, sciences, and life in general.

He loved nature and the desert, an avid hiker, he was always cutting his own path. Through his Observations of the local flora and fauna he found peace in the Mojave Desert.

John had a fondness for music, paintings, movies and books. He would play guitar and sing for family.

A Memorial Service will be held at Sunset Hills Mortuary, 24000 Waalew Road, Apple Valley, CA 92307, US, on July 27, 2026, from 3:00 pm to 7:00 pm. There will be a reception to follow at the following Address: 12566 Ava Loma Street., Victorville, Ca. 92392.