Paul E. Zook

Paul Zook, who spent more time in the air than on land, who traveled to every state in the U.S. and many around the world, who had a profound dislike of cottage cheese, beets and blueberries, but an unshakable love of God, family and friends, died at 90 years of age on Tuesday, March 14, 2023.

Born in North Manchester, Indiana, to Carl and Pearl Zook, Paul loved to tell his children about developing his strong work ethic during summers on “the farm” where under the guise of helping his Uncle with a multitude of chores before sunrise, it was widely known he was sent as a means to keep him out of trouble.

He had a life-long love affair with his wife of 68 years, Mari Etta (Shively) Zook, also of Indiana. He courted her by taking the doors off his car (much to the dismay of his parents and the police) and playing endless pranks for attention. But they grew up in the same church, attended the same schools, and shared the same belief that a lot of laughter and even more faith were the secrets to a long and happy life. Together they had two children, John Zook of Brooksville and Laura (Zook) Harto (Mauro) of Sarasota. He taught them that you never stand in front of the TV while the Cubs are playing, that you never raise your voice to your Mother, that golf clubs do not float, and that you always show up for those you love.

Paul was curious and exceled at tinkering; he was also calm under pressure and could make complete strangers feel they were part of his family. He took extreme pride in his grandson Andrew (14) and more often than not would start a sentence with, “I’m here to tell ya…”

He spent twenty years serving his country as an Air Force pilot flying “just about everything with wings” but with specialty as a AC-130 gunship pilot. He earned the rank of major and multiple service commendations and yet was, to his children’s dismay, not above conducting Saturday morning room inspections. Upon his retirement from the Air Force he taught countless people to fly small airplanes and flew for Florida-based Energy Electric Corporation prior to retiring for good to a life of golf courses and travel.

He has several family members who have preceded him in death (who no doubt are waiting for him with open arms) and those whom he dearly loved who remain behind not only to miss him, but to hopefully live as testament to the humble, funny, loving, generous, master martini-maker that he was.

He disliked being the center of attention, and the idea of a “big fuss” set his teeth on edge. Therefore his family will hold a private remembrance ceremony involving a boat, a body of water and hopefully at least as many laughs as tears.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you consider a donation to Forest Hills United Methodist Church (Tampa) or your local hospice provider, both of which took great care of him and his family during and at the end of his life.

Condolences may be expressed at www.rtsfunerals.com Palms.