Robert "Pancho" Lee Zavadil

He is preceded in death by his parents Edwin Zavadil and Dorothy Marie Zavadil. His son Matthew “Matt” Shumaker and Niece Kassie Mae Zavadil.

He was born on September 2, 1949 at Ramstein Air Force Base near Kaiserslautern, Germany to Edwin Zavadil and Dorothy Marie Halliburton while his father was serving in the military. Having lived in different parts of the country as a military family, they then settled in the Pasadena, Texas area where he and his brother attended local schools and later Pasadena High School where his father then worked. After attending high school, Robert joined the U.S. Army during the Vietnam war and served stateside as a Military Police officer until the end of his enlistment. After military life, Robert worked at Armco Steel in Houston and later other positions and occupations to include the renowned “Pancho’s Painting Service”. He also, in his early years, learned to play guitar and would sing in clubs in the SE Texas area with his United States of Texas dance band, however; it would not be his service in the military or performances in the nightclubs that he will forever be remembered for. It is his life after Christ and the memories and ministries that would follow. Since 1993, Pancho has been a faithful supporter of Eagle Ministries in Baytown Texas having performed music during the monthly “care meeting” and making his famous “mama’s banana pudding” as well as being a part of the prison ministry outreach program. Pancho took his musical talents to the platform serving on the praise and worship teams of Calvary Temple Church and with the Sam Houston Race Park chaplaincy program. Pancho performed music twice a month for almost 20 years at the San Jacinto Hospital in Baytown until they decided to close the wing. With a heart for God, for over 10 years, Pancho delivered food and pastries to local residents in Baytown as part of an outreach ministry program. It was during these wonderful years in the 1990’s that he joined the spirit and BBQ-filled “Back Porch Band” where they traveled, played and ministered to churches, children, patients and the homeless leaving a legacy that will never be forgotten. But wait, there is more. As Pancho was called away from praise and worship team service in the church, he and his momma started attending Lakewood Church, as God needed him again, but this time to serve as an usher where he has given his heart, smile and laughter to those around him for the last 15 years. When Pancho gave his heart to the Lord 30 years ago, he said it was thanks to a praying mama.

Robert is survived by his son John “Jay” Zavadil and Grandson Weston Jude Zavadil of Duson, La. Brother Kenneth W. Zavadil, Sr. of New Caney, Texas. Nephew Kenneth “Ken” Zavadil, Jr. and wife Connie of Center, Texas. Niece and nephews Lauren Kenley Zavadil of Center, Josef Edwin Zavadil of Center and Greg Utley of Tennessee.

Officiating is Ron Richter - leader of the Back porch band, Rev. Allen Moorhead of Eagle Ministries and Uncle Dave Lancon - pastor of White Horse Revival Church.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to any gospel ministry in his honor that the Holy Spirit lays upon your heart. Or if you really want to honor God or brother Pancho, use your gifts and talents to lift others up and help spread the gospel to all who may hear.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy for the Zavadil family may be shared at www.pasadenafuneralchapel.com