Ralph Zeman

Ralph Zeman, age 88 of Dallas, TX. died on Tuesday, August 27, 2013. He was born in Dallas, August 16, 1925 to Dorothy Suravitz and Jack Morton Zeman. Ralph attended N.R Crozier Technical in Dallas. He was a member of the stamp club and the camera club, interests that he continued to enjoy along with coin collecting. He graduated from Crozier Tech on January 28, 1945 and enlisted into the US Army soon after March 15, 1944.

While serving in the 11th Armored Division in Europe during WWll, he fought in the Battle of the Bulge, The Battle of Hurtgen Forest, and The Battle of Bastogne. Among other honors, he was awarded the Purple Heart and Cluster during this time for injuries received in action on January 8, 1945 when his armored division raced to Bastogne to relieve that besieged garrison. At a ceremony in Hyde Park he was presented with the Purple Heart and Cluster and the Combat Infantry Badge by Lt. Col. L.T. Dryden. Returning to the US he was honorably discharged on March 23, 1946.

Ralph enjoyed bowling, coin collecting and talking with people on his CB radio. On vacations he would take pictures and would have slide shows. He put his vibrant personality to good use in sales. He worked for Zales and John Hancock before beginning a long career in clothing manufacturing. Retirement didn’t last long, he went to work as a security guard in his 70’s to keep busy and was proud to be promoted to lieutenant.

He is survived by his wife, Ann Zeman of Dallas, TX; 4 Children: Jack L. Zeman of Los Angeles, CA, Kathy Zeman Young and Nathan Young of Waxahachie, TX, Bill Zeman of Dallas, TX, and Jane Zeman Culpen and James Culpen of Trophy Club, TX; two brothers, Pace and Irma Zeman of Irving, TX and Leon Zeman of Petersburg, FL. Ralph is also survived by 5 Grandchildren: Abigail and Andrew Zeman of Dallas, TX, Christopher Young of Whitewright, TX, Justin and Zachary Culpen of Azle, TX and 1 Great Grandson, Kieran Young of Houston, TX .

A Graveside service will be held at Sparkman Hillcrest on Tuesday, September 3, 2013 at 10:00am. Any memorials in his honor preferred to the Salvation Army, The American Cancer Society, The American Diabetes Assoc. or a Charity of your choice.