Services for Francis Melvin Zeller, 83, Baldwin City, will be 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., Saturday, May 30, at the Vinland United Methodist Church. Mr. Zeller died Saturday, May 16, 2015 at the Baldwin Healthcare & Rehabilitation Center.
He was born January 14, 1932 in Waterville, Kansas, the son of Melvin Marshall and Byrl Anne Staples Zeller. He attended grade school in Arkansas and graduated from Lawrence High school playing football and track. Mr. Zeller went to Baylor University in TX, and Bethany College in Lindsborg, KS. He also served for 2 years in the United States Army during the Korean War.
Mr. Zeller worked at Trains Oilfield Service Incorporated for 2 years in Lindsborg and went on to work 35 years at Farmland Industry, retiring April 1, 1997. He farmed livestock, was a member of the Lighthouse Baptist Church in Baldwin City and the Dorsey-Liberty Post No. 14, American Legion in Lawrence.
He married Verdeania V. Anderson of Lindsborg, 54 years ago, on October 6, 1960 in Ottawa, KS. She survives of the home.
Other survivors include sons, Stephen M. Zeller and wife Karen of Overbrook and Mark E. Zeller and Wife Kathy of Lecompton; daughters Rita K. Zeller-Reed of Baldwin City and Barbara Ann Law of Paola; sisters, Dorothy Anne Lawrence of Holton and Doris Marie Dethredge and husband Billy of Lawrence; 12 grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren; as well as extended family and friends.
The family suggests memorials to the Dorsey-Liberty Post No. 14, American Legion, sent in care of Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home & Crematory, P.O. Box 1260, Lawrence, KS 66044.
No peanuts – Son is very allergic.
We are very sorry to hear of Mr. Z’s passing. I have known him since high school and always enjoyed my time out at their farm and then visiting w/ him and Verdeania at Kathy and Mark’s family get-togethers. He was such a character and always had a funny story to tell about the kids or life in general. May he rest in peace and our thoughts and prayers are with the family in this time of sorrow. Kat
Verdeania and all of your family. Francis
was a very favorite of ours at the salvage
yard. Charlie and Zeller enjoyed many a story and laugh. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
Verdeania and family,
So sorry for your loss. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
I am very sorry for your loss. May precious memories ease your sorrow. “And I have hope toward God, which hope these men also look forward to, that there is going to be a resurrection of both the righteous and the unrighteous.” (Acts 24:15) May Jesus’ promise also comfort you.
We are so sorry; it’s never easy to lose a family member. Francis will be missed by many. We’re praying for you all.
I (Ella) went to HS with Francis. Jack recalls Francis cutting a tree down for his mother the day he came home from the Army. Francis loved Granny Anderson. Jack, especially, has fond memories of so many things involving his brother Cork and Francis. Our sincere condolences.
We are sorry for your great loss. You and your family are in our thoughts and prayer.
We are so sorry for your loss. Your family is our thoughts and prayers.
Verdeania, and all of the Zeller clan. I was saddened to learn of Big “Z’s” passing. He was a great guy, and will be missed by many. When I used to hang out with Mark, and Barbara, I loved to hear his wisdom. It has been awhile sense I have visited with him, and I will miss his conversation greatly. God bless all of you, and if you need anything, just ask.
Our thoughts and prayers are with the Zeller family at this time. Francis was a great guy and will be missed.