Lawrence Edward Zyla

Our beloved husband, father, grandfather, uncle, and friend, Lawrence Edward Zyla, 67, passed away March 26, 2021. He was born on February 25, 1954 to Walter and Beverly Zyla in Omaha, Nebraska. Larry was raised in Omaha, Nebraska, where he graduated from Bryan High School in 1973. He served in the U. S. Army from 1973-1979, as an E-4 Military Police Officer. His honors included National Defense Service Medal and Good Conduct Medal. He was also a Rifle and Pistol Expert. Larry had a long and successful law enforcement career, serving a combined 36 years with the El Paso International Airport, Odessa Police Department, and the Ector County Sheriff’s Department.

Larry married his wife, Gail Zyla, of 46 years on September 14, 1974 in Omaha, Nebraska. They relocated to Fort Bliss, Texas where they started a family. Larry and Gail raised their boys, Kevin and Patrick, in Odessa, Texas, where they lived for twenty-eight years, until they retired to Corpus Christi, Texas in 2012.
Larry enjoyed spending time with family, his beloved wife Gail, his children, and especially his grandchildren Sasha and Marcus. Larry was a sports fan, and enjoyed watching New York Yankees baseball, Nebraska Cornhusker football, and the Green Bay Packers. He enjoyed attending local baseball games, such as the Midland Rockhounds and Corpus Christi Hooks. Larry enjoyed fishing and would head to the pier, the lake, or the river to try his luck at finding a catch. Larry never met a stranger. He always enjoyed talking with everyone, reminiscing and laughing about life. Larry spent many weekends tinkering with cars and “shootin the breeze” with his sons Kevin and Patrick. Larry will always be remembered for his enormous smile, contagious laugh, and being the life of the party.

Larry is preceded in death his by parents, Walter Sr. and Beverly Zyla, and brother, Charles Zyla, all of Omaha, Nebraska.

Larry is survived by his wife of 46 years, Gail Zyla of Corpus Christi, TX; his oldest son, Kevin Zyla and wife Sonia, and their two children, Sasha and Marcus of Corpus Christi, TX; his youngest son, Patrick Zyla, and wife, Brandi of Corpus Christi, TX and Patrick’s daughter, Kiersten Zyla of Austin, TX; brothers, David Zyla and Walt Zyla; sisters, Diane Watt, Christine Muhlbauer, Cheryl Flynn, Denise Synowiecki, Margaret Belfry, and Cyndi Zyla; many beloved nieces and nephews.

A Memorial Service and celebration of Larry’s life will be held on Friday, April 2, 2021 at 1:00 p.m. at Seaside Funeral Home Chapel. Kenny Eiben will officiate the service. All are welcome to attend and celebrate Larry’s life at his memorial reception. It will take place immediately following the service,
and will be held from 2:30 pm to 5:00 pm at the Omni Hotel; B Room, 3rd floor, located at 900 N. Shoreline Blvd. Corpus Christi, TX 78401



Condolences may be sent to www.seasidefuneral.com/tributes/Lawrence-Zyla.

In lieu of flowers, please consider sending donations in Larry’s name to: MD Anderson Cancer Center (gifts.mdanderson.org) or Paralyzed Veterans of America (pva.org).

The family would like to thank all medical personnel who showed great care and dedication to Larry during his times of need. The family would also like to extend their utmost appreciation to everyone for their prayers and kind words of comfort during this difficult time.   

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.