John L. Zawasky; March 24, 2013
Lt. Col. John Lee Zawasky, 53, US Air Force – retired, born March 1, 1960 in Huntsville, passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, March 24, 2013, at his home in Shiloh, Ill.
John grew up in Huntsville and graduated from The University of Alabama, where he earned his Air Force Commission via the ROTC program. He entered active duty in 1985 and served honorably for the next 20 years. A navigator on the KC-135 and veteran of Desert Storm, his military career earned many noteworthy decorations and awards, including Air Medal, Meritorious Service Medal with 3 oak leaf clusters, Kosovo Campaign Medal with one service star, and Kuwait Liberation Medal. He was transferred to Scott AFB thirteen years ago, and retired from TACC in 2005. Of all his military travels and adventures, he especially enjoyed his time at RAF Mildenhall, in Newmarket, England, where he was an aide to the General. It was here that his love for British culture was fostered – a fondness that he shared with his daughter.
After his retirement, John volunteered at Scott AFB with the American Red Cross, base legal office, and others. He embraced life by riding his Harley, shooting pool, traveling, adding to his extensive shoe and watch collection, and enjoying free time with his family. His children never doubted his love for them; he was their greatest supporter and friend. He was an “awesome dad.”
John was preceded in death by his parents, Lee Michael and Mary (nee Sturm) Zawasky.
Surviving are his children, Amy Zawasky of St. Louis, Mo. and Matthew Zawasky of O’Fallon, Ill.; brother, Mark Zawasky of Port Washington, Wisc.; and his former wife, Karen Zawasky of Fairview Heights, Ill.
Memorial donations may be made to American Cancer Society or USO of MO, Inc.
Condolences may be extended to the family by visiting www.wfh-ofallon.com.
Visitation was held 5-7 p.m., Wednesday, March 27, 2013, at Corpus Christi Catholic Church, 205 Rasp St., Shiloh, Ill.
The Funeral Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated at 7 p.m., Wednesday, March 27, 2013, at the church with Msgr. James E. Margason presiding.
Arrangements were entrusted to Wolfersberger Funeral Home in O’Fallon, Ill.
