Charles “Chuck” Harry Zonker

Charles “Chuck” Harry Zonker, 86, husband, father and brother, died Saturday, June 1, 2024 in Lufkin,. Chuck was born in Big Spring, Texas on the 30th of January in 1938 and was the son of Mr. Kenneth Russell Zonker and Mrs. Oval Lucille (Spears) Zonker.

Chuck's father began working for Shell Oil Company, moving the family from West Texas to Venezuela for several years. While living in South America, Chuck learned Spanish and remained bilingual for the duration of his lifetime. He attended San Marcos Military Academy during his high school years with his brother, Kenneth, while spending the summer months in Venezuela with his family. After high school, he joined the Marines, where he earned the top score in shooting qualifications, achieving the level of Expert in marksmanship.

He started his career at Cameron Iron Works in Houston, where he stayed for several years, then began working on the Trans-Alaska Pipeline System in 1969 for Camco Oil Company/Schlumberger making many lifelong friends. During his time at Schlumberger, he traveled the world until he retired and earned an honorary degree in Engineering for his expertise in his field.

In his retirement, he and his wife moved to her family's home on Toledo Bend Reservoir in Hemphill, where he enjoyed working in his shop, whether on his antique lamp collection or making wood duck boxes, cooking and canning, spending time with his dogs, managing his pecan trees and feeding the birds. He went on several fishing trips to Alaska, a hobby that he loved dearly.

He is survived by his wife, Mrs. Shawna Zonker, his daughters, Dr. Jennifer Lynn Zonker Rice and Ms. Julia Charlene Rice, granddaughters, Miss Anna Katherine Hartmann and Miss Caroline Joyce Hartmann, and his sibling, Judith (Judy) Lynn Hoffart.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that any charitable donations be made to the Fairmount Volunteer Fire Department, 3134 Fairdale Rd., Hemphill, Texas 75948

Cremation arrangements were handled by Starr Funeral Home in Hemphill.

Memories and condolences may be shared at starrfuneralhome.com.