Operator of Lili’s Steak House Fidel Zamora, 72, Ava, passed away Friday, Sept. 16, 2005, in his home surrounded by his loving family.
Fidel was born Feb. 28, 1933, in San Juan, Texas, the son of Francisco and Juanita Vazques (Miranda) Zamora. On Aug. 28, 1976, he was united in marriage to Carmen M. Navarrete in Mexico.
Fidel spent most of his life living in Chicago, Ill., before moving to Ava in 1990. In 1996, he became a business owner and operator of Lili’s Steak House.
Fidel enjoyed the restaurant business where his gentle spirit, warm continuous smile and friendly handshake welcomed many friends. He also was a school bus driver for the Ava school system for over seven years, often rewarding the students with candy and special treats. He worked long hours but found time to hunt and fish for relaxation. His life overflowed with care and determination for his family by always supporting them with guidance in every worthy endeavor. In spite of his many accomplishments, Fidel praised his family and grandchildren above all else. Fidel was also a member of St. Leo’s Catholic Church of Ava.
Fidel was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Jesus Zamora.
He is lovingly survived by his wife Carmen; two sons, Hugo Ariel Zamora, of Atlanta, Ga., and Pablo Zamora, of Ava; three daughters, Andrea Zamora and Lizette Zamora, both of Ava, and Evelyn Johnson of Springfield; three grandchildren Tristean Zamora, Alex Zamora and Gabriel Johnson; brothers and sisters, Martha Azpeitia, Elena Zamora, Francisco Zamora, Roberto Zamora, Maria Zamora, and Izabell Zamora; a sister-in-law Marina Navarrete; a brother-in-law Avelino Azpeitia; a daughter-in-law Veronica Zamora; a son-in-law Mark Johnson; several caring nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and many friends.
A memorial prayer service was held at 7 p.m. Wednesday, September 21, in Barnes Family Funeral Home, Ava.
Memorial funeral mass service will be held at 2 p.m. today (Thursday) in St. Leo’s Catholic Church of Ava under the direction and care of Barnes Family Funeral Home, Ava, with Mike Powell as celebrant.
The family requests donations in Fidel’s honor be made to Neighbor Helping Neighbor.
