Edward “Ed” Emil Zeller Jr., 78, of Richmond, MO, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family. A man of deep loyalty, tireless work ethic, and infectious spirit, Ed leaves behind a legacy built on faith, family, and a lifelong love of the game.
Born on March 12, 1947, in Lexington, MO, to Edward Emil and Edith (Mallarykey) Zeller, Ed grew up with a passion for athletics, playing football and basketball for Lexington High School. Following graduation, he answered the call to service, enlisting in the U.S. Army National Reserves (1966-1972). For his dedicated service, he was awarded the Army Reserve Components Achievement Medal and the 5-year Long Service Ribbon.
On November 27, 1972, Ed married the love of his life, Carolyn Waller Zeller she preceded him in death November 28, 2025. Together, they spent 54 beautiful years in Richmond, building a home centered on love and laughter. Ed provided for his family through 37 years of hard work and dedication at Union Pacific Railroad, where he eventually retired.
While Ed was raised in the Catholic faith, he also shared a deep devotion to the Richmond United Methodist Church.
To many, he was simply “Coach.” Whether he was leading his sons’ teams-including Tippins Oil, Waller Truck, The Bandits, and the Richmond Rattlers-or serving as the “honorary assistant” for the RHS Girls and Boys Golf teams, Ed was a fixture in youth sports. As President of the Little League Baseball Association and a member of the Richmond All Sports Club, he was instrumental in bringing baseball and softball programs to Richmond High School.
In his free time, Ed was happiest on the golf course, usually playing for “a quarter or a dollar a hole” with his kids and grandkids. He was a master of the kitchen, known for cooking large meals for neighbors and friends, always paired with a great story and a glass of Jameson, a cold beer, or a perfect wine.
Whether you knew him as Ed, Butch, Dad, Pops, or Coach, you knew a man of absolute honesty and heart.
Ed is survived by two sons, Randy (Alicia) Zeller and Daniel (LeaAnn) Zeller; one daughter, Becky (Justin Smith) Zeller; two brothers, Johnny and Larry Zeller; and two sisters, Mary Kay Schoonover and Patty Hoskins. His legacy lives on through his four grandchildren, Maddy (Garrett) West, Jack Gogue, Izzy, and Malina Zeller; and his two great-grandchildren, Banks and Nash West.
The family suggest memorial donations in Ed’s honor be made to The Richmond United Methodist Church. They can be left at or mailed to Thurman Funeral Home 507 East Main Street/P.O. Box 190 Richmond, MO 64085.
A funeral service will be held on Thursday, March 5, 2026, at 12:00 pm at the Richmond United Methodist Church with visitation beginning at 11:00 am. Burial will follow services at Richmond Memory Garden with military honors provided by the United States Army. Please remember to visit www.thurmanfuneralhome.com to leave memories of Ed for the family.
Source: KMZU, The Farm
