Myron Scott Van Zant Sr.

Lieutenant Colonel Myron Scott Van Zant Sr. was born in DeLand, Florida on September 30, 1965. He passed peacefully into the arms of his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on September 13, 2025.

In the summer of 1971, Scott moved with his family to Louisville, Kentucky, where his father, Charles Van Zant Sr., attended the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. He attended school through the 10th grade in Washington and Marion Counties, Kentucky. From a young age, Scott aspired to serve his country as a soldier. He joined the Army JROTC in high school and later transferred to the Navy JROTC, graduating from Keystone Heights High School in 1983. He served as commander of the KHHS JROTC unit and led their competition rifle team to a state championship in his senior year.

A dedicated student, Scott was a member of the National Honor Society. He began his college journey at Santa Fe College and the University of Florida in 1983, later completing his MBA. At just 19 years old, he was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the Army National Guard's Quartermaster branch. His training and expertise in logistical operations laid the foundation for a distinguished military career as an Engineer Officer.

As a young Company Commander of the 269th Engineer Unit in Live Oak, Florida, Scott was known for his discipline and leadership. He held his soldiers to the highest of standards, even sending deputies to retrieve those who were AWOL —dramatically improving drill attendance and accountability.

Scott led engineering efforts during numerous hurricane and wildfire emergencies across Florida. He was especially skilled at preparing his soldiers before storm season and leading them during crises. Following Hurricane Katrina in 2005, he was flown into New Orleans via Blackhawk helicopter with the initial command team, where he established critical communications infrastructure in the immediate aftermath.

In 2009, Scott deployed to Afghanistan for Operation Enduring Freedom, serving as a senior military member and the Deputy Director of Safety for the entire theater of operations. Over two years, he traveled extensively to ensure combat operations were conducted with minimal risk to coalition forces. He later deployed to the Kuwait and Iraq theaters in a similar role.

After retiring from the military, Scott returned to the construction industry as a Project Superintendent and Manager, continuing his lifelong commitment to leadership and mission-driven work.

Scott was deeply committed to his community. He served with the Wounded Warrior Project, was a Cub Master with the Cub Scouts of America, and a Scout Master with the Boy Scouts of America, guiding his son Scotty on his path to becoming an Eagle Scout. Scott was a member of Fruit Cove Baptist Church.

Scott and Brenda met at Camp Blanding and were married in 1991. Together, they raised Sully, Scotty, Diamond, and Bradley.

Scott is survived by his beloved wife, Brenda, his daughter Brenda Sue Leach and her husband Derek, son Scott Van Zant Jr and his wife Eva, his grandchildren, Joel, Zeyda, Julien, Myron, with another soon-to-be-named granddaughter on the way. Scott is also survived by his father, Charles Van Zant Sr, his siblings, Mike Van Zant, Charles Van Zant Jr. and his wife Stephanie, and Kimberly Hansen and her husband Richard, and a large extended family of relatives and cherished friends.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Judy Van Zant, and his brother, Joseph Cherry.

Scott’s legacy is one of unwavering service, steadfast faith, dedication and profound love for his family and country. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered.

“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.”
— 2 Timothy 4:7

A visitation will be held on Thursday, September 18, 2025, from 9:30am until service time at 10:30am at Fruit Cove Baptist Church. Burial will follow at Jacksonville National Cemetery at 1:30pm.