Ed Zeller

Edward “Ed” Emil Zeller Jr., 78, of Richmond 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 March 12, 1947, in Lexington 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 Reserve (1966-72). For his dedicated service, he was awarded the Army Reserve Components Achievement Medal and the Five-Year Long Service Ribbon.

On Nov. 27, 1972, Ed married the love of his life, Carolyn Waller Zeller. She preceded him in death on Nov. 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.

Though 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 Richmond High School (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 RHS.

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 his two sons, Randy (Alicia) Zeller and Daniel (LeaAnn) Zeller; daughter, Becky (Justin Smith) Zeller; two brothers, Johnny and Larry Zeller; and two sisters, Mary Kay Schoonover and Patty Hoskins. His legacy lives on as well through his four grandchildren, Maddy (Garrett) West, Jack Gogue, and Izzy and Malina Zeller; and his two great-grandchildren, Banks and Nash West.

The family suggests 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 E. Main St.-P.O. Box 190; Richmond, MO 64085.

A funeral service was scheduled for noon Thursday, March 5, at the Richmond United Methodist Church, with visitation beginning at 11 a.m. Burial was to follow the services at Richmond Memory Gardens, with military honors provided by the Army.

Please visit www.thurmanfuneralhome.com to leave memories of Ed for the family.