SGM (Ret) Lajos Ferenc Jozsef Zadravecz

On March 21, 1937, Lajos Ferenc Jozsef Zadravecz was born in Tarany, Hungary. Son of the late Lajos and Maria Zadravecz, Lajos grew up in Tarany where he attended school. In 1955, Lajos entered the United States Army and served faithfully until his retirement in 1985. He had attained the rank of Sergeant Major and earned several awards and commendations; some of which include the Bronze Star, Purple Heart, and Silver Star. While serving in the military, Lajos met a young woman in Panama where he was stationed. Her name was Sonia H. Perez Ortiz. They were united in marriage on June 29, 1960, at Fort Kobbe, Canal Zone Panama. They shared many wonderful memories and five children: Milton, Mary, William, Lajos and Maritza. Lajos served three tours in Vietnam and different duty stations, which include Maryland, Ft. Dix, Germany, and Ft. Jackson before retiring at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri. At the time of his retirement, the family decided to stay in the area. After retiring from the military, Lajos was able to do more of the things that he enjoyed. He enjoyed being outdoors while fishing, hunting, and camping. He just simply loved being outdoors. He was talented when it came to woodworking and enjoyed playing poker and going to the casino. Lajos’ special talent was taking care of his family. He was always putting his family first and making sure that they had everything that they needed. He loved spending time with them, especially the grandchildren. Lajos passed away Saturday, May 3, 2025, in the Phelps Health Hospital of Rolla, Missouri having attained the age of 88 years. He will be sadly missed but fondly remembered by all those that knew and loved her. Lajos leaves to cherish his memory, his wife of over 64 years: Sonia H. Zadravecz of the home; four children: William Zadravecz (Patty) of Waynesville, MO, Mary Zadravecz of Waynesville, MO, Lajos Zadravecz (Beverly) of Waynesville, MO, and Maritza Romain of St. Robert, MO; eleven grandchildren; ten great grandchildren; one brother: Gyula Zadravecz of Hungary; several other relatives and friends. In addition to his parents, Lajos was preceded in death by one son, Milton Towns. Even though he is gone from our sight, Lajos’ commitment to his family and his country will live on in our hearts forever. Services were held at 12:30 p.m. Monday, May 12, 2025 in the Memorial Chapels and Crematory of Waynesville / St. Robert. The songs "Amazing Grace" and "Peace in the Valley" were played. Serving as escorts were the United States Army of Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri. Burial with military honors followed in the Missouri Veterans Cemetery of Waynesville with honors being provided by the United States Army. Memorial contributions may be made in memory of SGM (Ret) Lajos Zadravecz and may be left at Memorial Chapels and Crematory of Waynesville / St. Robert.

SGM (Ret) Lajos Ferenc Jozsef Zadravecz

March 21, 1937 - May 3, 2025