Lew Darrell Zale, 89, passed away April 12, 2019, after a brief illness. At the time of his passing, he was surrounded by his loving family including his beloved wife of 68 years, Doris (Landau) Zale, daughter, Leslie Zale Greco (Richard), son, L. Scot Zale, (Staci) and his granddaughters, Melissa Greco and Lauren Greco Bostwick (Ryan), who lovingly referred to him as “Pa.”
Lew was born March 15, 1930, to William and Sylvia Zale of Wichita Falls, Texas. Lew was the eldest of three brothers; Eugene and Ted who preceded him in death.
Lew attended the University of Texas in Austin where he met Doris, the love of his life. Lew left college to join his family business, Zales Jewelers, which at that time, was a small chain of family owned stores.
Subsequently, Lew answered an even higher calling of service and joined the United States Army. It was while in the service, stationed in Texarkana, Arkansas, that he married Doris on August 19, 1951.
After Lew’s service in the army, he rejoined the family business and rose through the ranks from a store manager to a member of senior management. He served on the Board of Directors for the Zale Corporation.
As the Zale Corporation diversified, Lew oversaw various divisions including drug stores, furniture stores, department stores, and sporting goods stores. It was in this capacity, overseeing the Sporting Good Division, Lew developed a passion for hunting. He traveled the world in pursuit of that passion.
In the mid-1970s Lew left corporate America to pursue interests in real estate, restaurants, and ranching. He took enormous pride in the Diamond Z Ranch outside of Wagon Mound, NM.
Lew was able to pursue many philanthropic activities. He actively supported Children’s Medical Center, where he served on the Board of Trustees. He also managed the day-to-day activities of the William and Sylvia Zale Foundation and gave away millions of dollars throughout the community.
In addition to his philanthropy, Mr. Zale had many passions. They included travel, fine wines, great food and automobiles. But his greatest passion and pride was his family.
A Memorial Service will be held at Sparkman/Hillcrest on Monday, April 15, 2019. at 12:00 Noon.
The family would like to thank the staff at the Belmont Village for their support and amazing care of Lew, along with the three special caregivers, Mary, Margret, and Lucy.
In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America or Children’s Medical Foundation.
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