Joe retired from Shell Oil Company after 35 years of service as a mechanic and operator.

Joe was also a veteran of WWII. He received the Asiatic-Pacific Theater Campaign Medal with bronze arrowhead for amphibious assault landing, and 4 bronze service stars for Bismark Archipelago, New Guinea, Southern Philippines, and Luzon Campaigns; the Philippine Liberation Medal with 2 bronze service stars for initial landing on the Philippines, engagement against the enemy, and over 30 day service in the Philippine Islands; the Good Conduct Medal; the Victory Ribbon; and four Overseas Service Bars.

Joe was a member of the Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Knights of Columbus, Sons of Hermanns, Hallettsville Golf Association, Appelt Hill Gun Club, American Legion Post 0230, Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 6382, and the Swiss Alps Dance Club. His love of life included hunting, golfing, ranching, dancing with grandma, and being surrounded by his family and friends.

Joe is survived by his wife of 60 years, Josie Schindler Zappe of Hallettsville, his children: Douglas Zappe and wife Cookie of Houston, Alice Jo Zappe Summers of Hallettsville, Robert Zappe and wife Mary Kay of Hallettsville, and Joe P. Zappe II and wife Paula of Victoria. His grandchildren: Michael Zappe and wife Sammie, William (Bill) Zappe and wife Lindee, Kevin Zappe, Aaron Simmons and fiancé Emilee, Amber Herrmann and husband Trey, Aaron Summers and wife Shelly, Steven Summers and fiancé Victoria, Travis Zappe, Jensen Angelloz, Colton Zappe, and Clara Zappe. His great grandchildren: Bailey Zappe, Trent Zappe, Clay Zappe, Will Herrmann, and Atalanta Summers. He is also survived by an incredible number of extended family and friends.

Joe was preceded in death by is parents Joe F. Zappe and Lena Rother Zappe.

Service: 11 am, Saturday, August 19, 2006 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Hallettsville. Visitation: Noon, Friday at Kubena Funeral Home in Hallettsville. Rosaries: 7 pm, Friday at Kubena Funeral Home, and 10:30 am, Saturday at Sacred Heart Church. Officiate: Rev. John Peters. Pallbearers (his grandchildren): Michael Zappe, Bill Zappe, Aaron Summers, Kevin Zappe, Steven Summers, and Travis Zappe. Honorary Pallbearers (his grandchildren): Aaron Simmons, Amber Herrmann, Jensen Angelloz, Colton Zappe, and Clara Zappe. Donations can be made to Sacred Heart Catholic Church of Hallettsville and Donors Choice.

We don't know why God needed him in Heaven now, and although we may never understand, we will continue to trust in His faithfulness and rest in His promises.