Wayne Zaricor, Born July 31, 1939 and raised in rural NE Arkansas by parents Gladys Arendal Zaricor, and father Lee O Zaricor. He was a high school All-American football player, the president of his class, volunteer fireman, and ran his own ice house. he attended Arkansas State University on a football scholarship, but decided he wanted to serve in the military.
During his 20 years in the Air Force from 1959 to 1979, spent two and half years flying 554 combat missions to Vietnam. And flew the F105, O1E and F4 there. He was shot down four times suffering many injuries. The decorations he was awarded included the Silver Star, Bronze Star with V (valor), 9 Distinguished Flying Crosses and 24 Air Medals.
After the Air Force, Z began his civilian aviation career. He married Patricia (Patty) in 1983 and worked for multiple airlines, flying and pilot training in multiple airplanes including SA227, Navajo, F27, dash 8 Dornier 27, Fokker F28, DC9 and Boeing 747. Patty and Z finally settled in Vancouver and Camas Washington in 1984 and he retired in 2000 as Director of Pilot Training for Horizon Airlines in Portland, Oregon. His hobbies included golf, brew master, and cooking.
In June of 2003, Z and patty relocated to Arizona Traditions in Surprise, Arizona. Z's retirement kept him busy with golf and when health interfered with that hobby, he took up woodworking and stain glass art, and was very active in Cross Church. He enjoyed his time in Arizona and made many friends.
Z will be interred at the Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery with full military honors on October 2, 20202. He is survived by his wife Patty; 5 daughters, Michele, Teresa, Cheryl Ann, Tina and Tammy; 14 Grandchildren; 14 Great-grandchildren; His brother James (willie) and his sister Jeannie.
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