Edward L. Zachary, Jr.
April 30, 1938 – January 9, 2024
Edward L. Zachary, Jr. was born April 30, 1938, to Dorothy M. Stewart and Edward L. Zachary, Sr., in Omaha, NE. He passed away peacefully on January 9, 2024.
Ed graduated from Omaha North High School and went on to attend the University of Nebraska at Omaha where he earned a bachelor degree in English. He was also an Officer in the Nebraska National Guard. Ed worked for WOW-TV, owned by Meredith Corporation through college and continued when Chronicle Broadcasting bought the station and renamed it WOWT, after which he became General Manager. After leaving WOWT, Ed was instrumental in starting RFD-1V. Ed served as the President of the Nebraska Broadcasters Association.
Ed loved golf and played many of the best courses in the country. He loved reading, discussing a variety of subjects, traveling, and making friends laugh with his many jokes. Most of all, Ed loved his children and grandchildren and was proud of their many accomplishments.
Ed was preceded in death by his parents, Dorothy Needham and Edward Zachary, Sr. He is survived by wife, Sally Zachary; son, Ed Zachary, III (Cari); and grandchildren: Anna, Kate, Ian and Will; daughter, Jennifer Jordan (Andy); and grandchildren, Wyatt and Brannon; as well as great-grandchildren, Blakely and Gray; daughter, Ellie Sweet (Jesse); and grandchildren, Jack, Charlie and Addie; son, Jeff Zachary (Emily); and grandchildren, Henry and Owen; daughter, Laura Tennant (Matt); and grandchildren, Elizabeth and Jonny. He is also survived by sisters, Ann Speaks (Nick) and Linda Harding; as well as many nieces, nephews, and friends.
A Private Memorial Service will take place at a later date. Memorials to the Charity of your choice.
7 Comments
I haven’t thought this out as my heart aches and supercedes a lifetime of having the fortune with Ed being an uncle of mine. My thoughts and prayers are with Ed, Ellie, Jeff, Jenni and all the lives and loves that touched Ed’s life as his being made so much of life wonderful. Rest in peace..LOve.
I will always cherish the conversations Ed and I would have at the beach and of course his jokes. My condolences to Laura, Sally and family. -Mike
We were all so fortunate to know & love Ed! He leaves behind such a wonderful family & legacy. I am so sorry for your family’s loss of such a wonderful father, grandfather, & neighbor. May he rest in eternal peace love always, Mary Kate
A terrific friend and former co-worker at WOWT. Ed was a strong supporter of our News Department. He understood the importance of an aggressive and responsible news organization to the success of a TV station. I shall never forget the days after the news ratings were published showing us as #1. Ed, with a huge smile on his face, would waltz into the News Department waving the rating book!!! After work….we would get together at the Embassy or Playmaker Bar to celebrate!!! Eternal Rest Grant to Ed, Dear Lord, and Let Perpetual Light Shine Upon Him.
Rest In Peace Dear Friend. I shall always remember our days together at WOWT and the support you gave the News Department. After each rating book, you would come into the News Department waving the rating book, congratulating our team for a job well done. Afterwards you gathered us together at the nearby “watering holes” to celebrate. Eternal Rest Grant to Ed, Dear Lord & Let Perpetual Light Shine Upon Him.
I worked for Ed at WOW-TV. Ed was very generous to me. He helped me through recurring medical issues. Thank you, Mr. Zachary. Peace.
Sally, I am so sorry to hear of Ed’s passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
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