MSGT. 1st Sergeant Luis A. Zapata, 53, passed away Friday, June 2, 2006. Sgt. Zapata was preceded in death by his parents: Raul and Bertha Zapata. He is survived by, his wife Mrs. Leticia B. Zapata of Laredo, son; Adrian Zapata of Laredo and daughter; Flora (Joaquin) Zapata-Soto of Ft. Bening, GA. Sgt. Zapata was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer 2 years ago. He was initially given 6 months to live yet he fought a good fight and lived 2 years. Sgt. Zapata joined the US Air Force in August of 1972 and retired in September of 1995. After retirement he taught at United South Middle School, then he became director of Administration with TX DOT. He became Human Resource coordinator with LISD, from there became director of human resources at LCC. After that he went to South Texas Workforce Center, while there he worked on El Paso del Indio Trial at LCC. Sgt. Zapata went back to teach for LISD at Nixon High School and Lamar Middle School. Of the many awards that were presented to Sgt. Zapata were the School Bell Award from the Chamber of Commerce and Teacher of the Year at Lamar Middle 2 years in a row. He was a very educated man who had 2 associates, a bachelor of science and technology and 1 master of Aeronautical Science. He was a Catholic Youth Minister while stationed at Offutt AFB, Omaha, NE. Sgt. Zapata was also a board member of the Rio Grande International Study Center in Laredo. He was an avid long distant runner and a frequent hunter. Sgt. Zapata touched many lives and will be greatly missed. Visitation will be Sunday, June 4, 2006 from 4pm – 9pm at Nieto-Dickey Funeral Home. A Rosary will be recited at 7pm. Funeral service will be held on Tuesday, June 6, 2006 at Christ the King Church. Holy Mass will be celebrated at 10 am. Burial services will be held on Wednesday, June 7, 2006 at 11:15 am at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery in San Antonio, Texas. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Nieto-Dickey Funeral Home, 802 Coke St.