Donald "Donny" Gene Zamzow

Donald “Donny” Gene Zamzow was born September 19, 1955, in Three Rivers, Texas to Reno and Viola (Wieding) Zamzow. He passed away unexpectedly on December 14, 2025, in Ray Point, Texas at 70 years old.

Donny was the youngest of seven boys, Vernon, Dennis, Melvin, Chester, Jerry, and Maurice. He was raised on the Zamzow family farm in Ray Point, Texas and lived there all his life. His younger years were filled with farming cotton and corn, and ranching cattle. He graduated from Three Rivers High School in 1974. Following high school, Donny studied Ag Ed at Coastal Bend College in Beeville, Texas. He married the love of his life, Gerry Bourg on December 22, 1978. They had two sons, Jeremy Hubert Zamzow and Jacob Wade Zamzow, and raised their family on the family farm in Ray Point. In 1983, Donny began working for the Three Rivers refinery, which later changed its name to Valero. He retired in 2016 after more than 33 years of working. He was also a Christian man and a lifelong member of Our Savior Lutheran Church in Three Rivers.

Donny was a one-of-kind jack of all trades type of family man. He was completely devoted to his wife, kids and grandkids. He was also an extremely hardworking man, whether at his job at Valero or at home doing improvements. He always had time to be involved in his kids’ activities like coaching Little League baseball, flag football and helping the boys show their animals at the county fair. Both Donny and Gerry never missed a football game or cross-country meet; and they wouldn’t have wanted it any other way because their lives were dedicated to their sons and continued into their grandkids. He loved to raise cattle, weld, fish, hunt, play dominoes, hang out with his “Old Dawgs” buddies, and spend time with his family. Those in the Ray Point and Three Rivers community could often hear him hooting and yip yipping at the cattle on his farm and telling tales at Sowell’s BBQ. During his time caring for Gerry and following her death, Donny became quite the spatula slinger in the kitchen. With the help of Gerry’s caregiver and friend, Maria, Donny learned to cook all sorts of dishes and could add “chef” to his trade list. He will be fondly remembered for his boisterous laugh, impeccable welding skills, strong work ethic, unwavering love for his family, his die-hard commitment to the Dallas Cowboys, and his knack for dominating in 42 dominoes.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Reno and Viola Zamzow; his wife, Gerry (Bourg) Zamzow; his sister-in-law, Ann Zamzow (Jerry); and his sister-in-law Geneva Zamzow (Vernon).

Donny is lovingly remembered by his son, Jeremy Zamzow and wife Julie of East Bernard, Texas; his son, Jacob Zamzow of Annapolis, Maryland; his grandchildren Anya, Jack, Xander, Joslyn, Jameson, and Judson; his brother, Vernon Zamzow and wife Carolyn; his brother, Dennis Zamzow; his brother, Melvin Zamzow and wife Sharilyn; his brother, Chester Zamzow and wife JoAnn; his brother, Jerry Zamzow; his brother, Maurice Zamzow and wife Cindy; and several brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Visitation will be held from 4 to 6 p.m. Thursday, December 18, at Our Savior Lutheran Church in Three Rivers.

The funeral service will be conducted at 10 a.m. Friday, December 19, at Our Savior Lutheran Church in Three Rivers, followed by a graveside service at Ray Point Lutheran Cemetery, where he will be laid to rest beside his beloved wife, Gerry.

Pallbearers will be Symon Zamzow, Matthew Zamzow, Nate Zamzow, Brett Zamzow, Mark Zamzow, Jeffrey Zamzow, Ryan Royal, Jayson Royal, Wesley Freeborn, and Gabe Freeborn.

The family would like to express a special thank you to Maria Calles for being Donny’s housekeeper and dear friend. Also special thanks to the “Liar’s Table” group at Sowell’s BBQ and to the “Old Dawgs” group for the many hours of laughter and “deep” conversation they bestowed on Donny.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Donny’s name to Our Savior Lutheran Church in Three Rivers, Texas.