Lawrence Stephen Zok, 74, of Panama City Beach, died on Sunday, December 29th of an unidentified infection exacerbated by Mixed Connective Tissue Disease, an autoimmune illness with which he suffered for 15 years.

Larry was born on July 21, 1950.in Brooklyn, New York to Joseph and Rita Jorges Zok. Larry is survived by his beloved and loving wife Marna to whom he was married for 35 years [and met in high school (McLean High School, McLean, VA, Class of 1968)]. He is also survived by brothers, James Zok and Andy Zok and sisters, Barbara Zok and Irene Allen; stepdaughter, Amanda Jackson (Kevin) and stepson, Eric Prestemon (Laura Kline); brother-in-law, Grant Sherk, Ill, sister-in-law, Linda Sherk Postelle; nephews, Chris Zok, Kevin Postelle and Corey Sherk, and nieces, Stephanie Zok, Kaileen Sherk, Shannon Ritz and Colleen Postelle. Larry also remained very close to many grade school, high school, and Marine Corps friends.

He was an outstanding athlete in high school playing football and baseball. He enlisted in the Marine Corps while still in high school, becoming a squadron aviation operations clerk and landing in Viet Nam on his 20th birthday. He served in HMM-262 and while serving as squadron clerk, also flew medevac and insertion missions as a door gunner, thus earning Combat Aircrew Wings. Other medals received include the Purple Heart, Air Medal, Navy/Marine Commendation with Combat V, Good Conduct, National Defense, and Vietnam Service Medals, attaining the rank of sergeant (E-5).

After returning to civilian life, he worked in restaurant and business management and graduated from Mesa (AZ) Community College with an Associate of Arts degree. In 1994 he began a new career as a Licensed Real Estate Appraiser, a career he successfully continued until 2009 when his autoimmune disease made it impossible.

In 1996 he joined the USMC Vietnam Helicopter and Tiltrotor Association (also known as Popasmoke), serving faithfully as a volunteer beginning with SLJO, membership coordinator, becoming a member of the Board of Directors and eventually Vice President. His friends are without number.

A funeral service will be held on January 20, 2025, at 12 noon, at St. Thomas by the Sea Episcopal Church in Panama City Beach, with interment to take place at Quantico National Cemetery at a date to be determined.

In Lieu of flowers, please make donations to St. Thomas by the Sea Episcopal Church (stthomaspcb.org), The Autoimmune Association. (autoimmune.org), or USMC Vietnam helicopter and Tiltrotor Association (Popasmoke.com).

[https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/name/lawrence-zok-obituary?id=57265557]

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