Mr. Meszaros

Zoltan Laszlo Meszaros, 84, of Lampasas died Sept. 3, 2021, at the Olin E. Teague Veterans Center in Temple.

Visitation will be held at Sneed Funeral Chapel on Sept. 30 from noon to 2 p.m. Graveside services will follow at the Central Texas State Veterans Cemetery in Killeen at 3 p.m.

He was born on Aug. 17, 1937, in Szolnok, Hungary. Zoli, as he was known to family and friends, grew up in Szolnok.

He lived under communism for about seven years and was a freedom fighter in the Hungarian Revolution of 1956, which forced him to flee into France and then Germany, where he eventually joined the United States Army in 1958. He served for 5 years and 2 days.

He received his Rifle Expert Badge at Fort Hood, and was honorably discharged in 1963 with the rank of private (E2).

Zoli worked for himself importing goods from Mexico and later as a mechanic, specializing in VW repairs and restorations. He never really retired.

He was involved in German and Hungarian folk dancing, and the sport of soccer, taking a trophy for his skill at Fort Hood when he was still in military service.

He enjoyed playing chess. He also spoke publicly against both communism and pro-gun control efforts by liberal political parties.

Zoli married Ruth Smith of Houston in 1965, and they were married for three years.

Zoli enjoyed watching televised soccer, playing chess and online poker, shopping at thrift houses and garage sales, and caring for the various cats and dogs that would wander on his property.

Zoltan is survived by his former wife, Ruthan Meszaros; his son, Zoltan (also called Zoli) Meszaros Jr.; daughter-in-law, Deva Gedalanga Meszaros; two grandchildren, Zoltan Meszaros III and Zeva Rihanna Meszaros; his "adopted sister" Betty Rathkamp, and "adopted nieces/nephews" Karen Wolz and husband Erich, Karl Rathkamp, Kris Rathkamp and wife Cheryl, Erik Rathkamp and wife Angie, and their respective children.