Walter John Zabek passed away on January 30, 2022. Walt was born on December 24, 1933 in East Chicago, Indiana to Wladyslaw (Walter) Zabek and Tekla (Tillie) Zabek (née Siewa). He grew up working in his older brother's garage doing automotive repair, and he remained a mechanic of sorts throughout his life. He earned a degree as a Doctor of Dental Surgery from the University of Indiana and then completed a residency in oral surgery and anesthesia at General Hospital in Kansas City, Missouri. Walt became an oral surgeon, where his skill as an automotive repair mechanic translated into his skill in understanding the human body and helping to repair it. Walt loved his work, and his skill and kindness will be missed by all who knew and loved him. He served briefly in the United States Air Force as a captain, but left it after discovering that he had, "Never made more money doing less" in his life.

His service in the Air Force did have its benefits. While at Whiteman Air Force Base, he met Mary Rice on a blind date on New Year's Eve when Mary's father called the base commander to ask if there were any officers available to escort his daughter that night. The date was a success and the two were married in 1963, and moved the following year to Springfield, Missouri. In Springfield, Walt established an oral surgery practice that served the greater Springfield region for over four decades, finally retiring in 2008. Walt was on the staff of both Cox Hospital and Mercy Hospital in Springfield. He served as the president of the Midwestern Society of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons and was a fifty-year member of the Greater Springfield Dental Society. He was also a longstanding member of the Sunrise Rotary.

In addition to the practice of medicine and raising three children, Walt and Mary enjoyed spending their time at Twin Oaks Country Club and Highland Springs Country Club. Walt and his family also spent many summer weekends at Table Rock Lake. Additionally, they enjoyed traveling with their family throughout the United States, Europe, and Asia.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Walter and Tillie; his wife, Mary; two brothers, Alexander Zabek and Aloysious Zabek; and three sisters, Alice Furman, Sister Leonarda Zabek and Sister Bonizella Zabek. Walt is survived by his son, James Zabek and his wife, Shelly Zabek and their daughters, Samantha and Alexandria, of Springfield, Missouri; his daughter, Amy Lyons and her husband, Aaron Lyons and their son, Briggs, of Springfield, Missouri and his stepdaughter, Mary (Kathy) Rapp of Willard, Missouri. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews, including Bob Zabek and his wife, Sandy; Ray Zabek and his wife, Linda; and Rich Zabek and his wife, Sherry.

Through his marriage to Mary, he is also survived by a nephew and niece, Dr. James Rice, III and Cynthia Helmig and their mother, Carolyn Rice. He is also survived by his companion, Kathy Jones. Inurnment will take place at King's Way United Methodist Church Columbarium. There will be a private family service held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Humane Society of Southwest Missouri, Tunnel to Towers Foundation, or Mission K9 Rescue.