Lawrence D. Zea, of Carpentersville, formally of Chicago, went to be with his Lord on Saturday, April 18, 2015.

He was born November 27, 1927 in Ames, Iowa. He was preceded in death by his wife of 61 years, Beverly, father Lawrence, and mother Ida (Fischer) Zea, sisters; Louise Zea, Lucille Durham, brother Kenny Zea and grandson Jerry Nevil.

He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, and a trusted friend to all who knew him.

Proud World War II Veteran, he made his living working for 34 years on the Chicago and North Western Railroad, and part-time making deliveries for City Bonded and RR Donnelly. But, his true passion was serving the Lord. Whether it was preaching at the First Baptist Church of Meadowdale in Carpentersville or bringing God’s words to the halls of Heritage Nursing Home. He took his God with him wherever he went. He even found time to become a surrogate grandpa/mentor to the 4th grade classes of Mr. Mark at Parkview School for 8 years. He also served proudly as the Chaplain of American Legion Post 679.

He is survived by his 6 children: Gloria (Joe) Nevil, Timothy Zea, Lon (Dorothy) Zea, Terri (Don) DeFily, Steven (Valerie) Zea, and Peggy (Rotimi) Olutayese; 15 grandchildren: Joe, Jerry, Jason Nevil and Jennifer Minch, Jim, Lawrence, Eric, and Jennifer Zea, Kyle, Kilian, and Kendall DeFily, Randy, Ryan Zea, Kaytie Czop and Kelly Zea; 16 great-grandchildren: Cameron, Justin, Jordon, Kaylee, Kennedy, and Keaton Nevil, Jessica, and Gavin Minch; Destinee, Andrew, Grace, and Shawn Zea, Jessica Billit, Lily and Ava Zea, and Tyler Czop: sisters Ruby Serfna and Ruth Jenkins, and loving companion, Norma Leturno.

Visitation will be held Tuesday, April 21st, from 4-8 pm at O’Connor-Leetz Funeral Home, 364 Division Street, Elgin, IL. Reverend Horacio Minjares officiating. Funeral Services will be Wednesday, at 10:00am at O’Connor-Leetz Funeral Home. Burial will be at Windridge Cemetery in Cary, IL.

In lieu of flowers, his family asks that you please consider making a tribute donation in his name to PulmonaryFibrosis.org or, if you prefer, you can mail your donation to: Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation, 230 E. Ohio St., Suite 304, Chicago, Il 60611-3201.