Willis Harold Zeinert Jr

In Loving Memory of Willis Harold “Bill” Zeinert Jr.

June 27, 1941— October 12, 2025

Bill gained his angel wings and went to be with the Lord on Sunday, October 12, 2025. He was a loving son, brother, husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend. Though he is gone, he will never be forgotten—his memory will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved him.

Bill was born in Neenah, Wisconsin, and graduated from Neenah High School in 1959. Shortly after graduation, he began his distinguished military career, serving as Chief Operations Sergeant with the 6th Cavalry Brigade. During his retirement ceremony, he was awarded the Meritorious Service Medal in recognition of his 22 years of dedicated service, retiring as Army Sergeant Major Willis H. Zeinert Jr. at Fort Hood, Texas.

After his military career, Bill fulfilled every Texas boy’s dream—living the life of a cowboy and ranching in Ding Dong, Texas. Later, he joined C&H Die-Cast, where he worked until his retirement. In his later years, Bill enjoyed a life full of simple pleasures: fishing, teaching Sunday school, landscaping with his beloved wife Sharon, spending time with his grandchildren, and feeding the birds, squirrels, and deer around his home. Each Christmas, he delighted the community of Morgan’s Point by decorating for all to enjoy.

Bill was preceded in death by his father Willis H. Zeinert Sr., his mother Isabelle K. (Crego) Zeinert, his beloved wife Sharon Zeinert, his son Richard Zeinert, his daughter Regina Temples, and his sisters Barbara Jean Zeinert and Judith A. (Zeinert) Brockman.

Bill’s legacy lives on through his loving family:

Siblings: Jim (Kristine) Zeinert, Gary Zeinert, Jean Zeinert, Richard (Elizabeth) Zeinert, Janice (John) LaMaide, and Joan (Al) Wangelin.

Children: Barbara (Todd) Buckner, Trey Zeinert, Missie Pennington, Jason (Julie) Cooke, and daughter-in-law Beth Zeinert.

Grandchildren: Melanie Brookins, James Zeinert, Hannah Zeinert, Alexis (Ryan) Pannell, Zachery (Andrea) Shepherd, Nicholas Shepherd, Chandler Cooke, Katelynn Zeinert, Cora Zeinert, Zoe Zeinert, Blade Gleason, and Dakota Gleason.

Great-grandchildren: Alexandria Brookins, Logan Brookins, and Kohen Pannell.

He is also survived by his faithful dog, Bandit, and many cherished aunts, uncles, and cousins.

Services:

Military Honors will be held on Wednesday, October 22, 2025, at 12:00 PM at Central Texas State Veterans Cemetery (11463 TX-195, Killeen, TX 76542).

A Celebration of Life Service will follow at 3:00 PM at Fellowship Baptist Church (2025 Morgan’s Point Rd #6822, Belton, TX 76513).

Bill lived a life of service, love, and faith—a true soldier, cowboy, and family man whose strength and kindness will be forever remembered.

Please send living plants to the family preferably over flowers; and donations to Wounded Warrior Project and St Jude Children's Hospital.