In Memory of

Van

Leroy

Zetrouer

Obituary for Van Leroy Zetrouer

Van Leroy Zetrouer, 93, of Palatka, passed from this life on Thursday, February 4, 2021 at Haven Hospice Roberts Care Center following an extended illness. A native and lifelong resident of Palatka, Leroy left high school and served honorably in the U.S. Navy during World War II. After his time in the Navy, Leroy completed his studies and graduated from Mellon High School in 1947. He worked as a machinist at Hudson Pulp and Paper Company (GP) retiring following 42 years of service. Following his work at Hudson, he became the owner and operator of BZ Machine Shop. Leroy was a member of Palatka Masonic Lodge #34 and the York Rite Body and was a volunteer with the American Red Cross. He was also a member of the First Baptist Church in Palatka. Leroy was involved in the Putnam County Genealogical Society and was part of a group who identified and mapped over 100 cemeteries located throughout Putnam County. Leroy was likewise a loyal blood donor for many years.
He was preceded in death by his first wife, Martha Lou Thomas Zetrouer and second wife, Ernestine Waggoner Zetrouer, his parents, Selma Evelyn Conway-Zetrouer-Higginbotham and John Robert Zetrouer, his siblings, Harry Zetrouer, Raiford Zetrouer and Brenard Zetrouer.
Leroy is survived by his children, Mary Z. Corbett ( Burnice) of Walterboro, SC, Rebecca Z. Harkey (Vernon) of Palatka and Gary L. Zetrouer (Melinda) of Jacksonville, grandchildren, Burnice Corbett (Keri) of Walterboro, SC, Rebecca Palazzo (Mike) of Charleston, SC, Allison Williams (John) of Reisterstown, MD, Bethany Henderson (Seth) of Avon Park, FL and Jacob Zetrouer of Jacksonville, FL, great-grandchildren, Perry Corbett, Caroline and Della Williams and Fletcher Henderson, a sister, Wynonah Bliss of St. Augustine and numerous nieces and nephews.
Memorial services celebrating Leroy’s life will be at 2:00 P.M. Saturday, February 20, 2021 at the First Baptist Church in Palatka with Dr. Vernon Harkey and Pastor Ron Smith officiating. Masonic Rites and military services will also be conducted by their respective organizations. Inurnment will follow at Palatka Memorial Gardens. The family will receive friends Saturday at the church from 1:00 P.M. until the time of services at 2:00 P.M.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations be sent to First Baptist Church, building fund, 501 Oak Street, Palatka, FL 32177 or to Haven Hospice Roberts Care Center, 6400 St. Johns Ave., Palatka, FL 32177.
Memories and condolences may be expressed to the family at Leroy’s Book of Memories page at www.johnsonoverturffunerals.com.
Arrangements are entrusted to Johnson-Overturf Funeral Home in Palatka.