Celebration of life for Emil Lee Van Zandt (Dutchman) will be at 11:00 am on Saturday, January 11, 2025 at Fairview Baptist in Levelland. E.L died on December 22, 2024 with his family by his side.
He was born March 14, 1928 to Numa G. Van Zandt and Daisy May Allsup in Williow, OK. He had two brothers John Van Zandt and Jerry Rasco, two sisters Eva Swanson and Maxine Holstein.
He served in the United States Navy from 1944-1948, The United States Army from June 1950-Janaury 1951 and the United States Air Force from January 1951-June 1952.
He married the love of his life, Martha Joan DeSmet June 3, 1951 with the marriage lasting almost 75 years. This union produced four children Mike (Debra) Van Zandt, Eddie (Carla) Van Zandt, Tammy (Melton) Alford and Michele Van Zandt.
He worked for Western Drilling, before moving to New Mexico to become a logger. He later moved back to Levelland and worked for Red Devil and Musslewhite driving a hot oil truck earning the nickname Dutchman.
He leaves to cherish his memory his children, nine grandchildren, 13 great grandchildren and three greatgreat children.