Cpl Xavier Y Zavala USMC
August 7, 2000 – August 30, 2022
Active Duty
Xavier Y. Zavala was born on August 7, 2000 to Paulina and Rey Zavala. He was the joy and the light of their lives. He came into their family surrounded by love from his grandparents, multiple aunts, uncles, and cousins.
Xavier was a big brother to Xander. He was such a great big brother and loved spending time with Xander, helping him learn new things as he was growing up. Xander looked up to his big brother, loved him dearly, and was his #1 fan.
Xavier was a happy, curious, adventurous, and fearless, child, teenager, and young man. “X” as he was known by his family and friends, marched to the beat of his own drum. X didn’t bow to peer pressure or worry about what people thought of him. When it came to hair styles, clothing choices, costumes, or wearing “Free Hug” signs, if he liked it, that was good enough for him. X liked being different and was okay with standing out in a crowd. This made X likeable and approachable, and he made friends easily.
It would also be fair to say that X could get along with everyone, and he didn’t like leaving anyone out. He cared for others and made sure everyone was included. His kindness and compassion for others was evident by his words, and actions, something he learned very early from his mom, Paulina, that he carried with him throughout his life. It is easy to see why he was looked up to and why people were drawn to him. Xavier was really likeable and very easy to love.
Growing up, Xavier loved playing football, playing video games, Harry Potter, dressing up in cosplay costumes, helping his mom at the boat races each summer, and hanging out with friends and family – just to name a few of his favorite things to do.
As X got older, he became interested in karate and wrestling where he excelled in both. After Xavier graduated from high school, he would make time to help out at both the karate school and at the wrestling team practices when he was in town.
After graduating from high school, Xavier fulfilled three of his life dreams. Xavier joined the United States Marine Corps, married his high school sweetheart, Jaylee, and became a father to his beautiful daughter, Natalia, whom he loved with all his heart. Knowing him the way we do, we just have to imagine what an amazing Marine, husband, and father he would have been.
Xavier was called home into the arms of Jesus on the evening of August 30, 2022. We believe that he was surrounded by the saints, an army of angels, and welcomed into heaven by his grandmother, who had a smile on her face and arms opened wide. We also know that he had friends and family gathered together to welcome him home.
Though his life on earth was short, Xavier left a lasting impression on everyone who knew him. The ripple effects of his life will continue to make a difference in the world. We have memories that will last a lifetime and Xavier Zavala will never be forgotten. Love is all that matters, and Xavier was loved immeasurably.
Matthew 11:28-30, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”
Xavier was an alumni and wrestler at Kamiakin High School. He devoted his time volunteering in many community events such as the Tri-Cities Water Follies, Special Olympics, the Tri Cities Gospel Mission, and helping young wrestlers train at Kamiakin High School. His dream was to sponsor young wrestlers the way he was always sponsored by the generous community.
Quotes from a segment on the news in his hometown: “What he cared for most, his friends said, was his family. “I don’t think he’s ever worked harder for anything in his life than his daughter,” said Martin. “He’s the kind of guy who just made every day worth living,” Woods said.
Resting Place: Riverview Heights Cemetery, Kennewick, WA
