Richard I. Zabawa, 86, of Columbia, died on Saturday, August 20, 2016. Born on July 1, 1930 in Bremond, TX, he was a son of the late Edward J. and Pauline Zabawa. Mr. Zabawa served in the US Army for 21 years, achieving the rank of Sargent First Class of the 82 Airborne Division. During his military career, he completed over 300 jumps as a paratrooper. Following his service in the US Army, he worked in the material management and cost control division of Norfolk Southern Corp. Richard was a very active individual. He was a member of Our Lady of the Lake Catholic Church, the Knights of Columbus (4th Degree), and an associate member of the Lourie Senior Center. Richard also had a passion for the simple things and enjoyed the out-¬of-¬doors, gardening, dancing, and traveling. He treasured life and he loved his family. He is survived by his long time partner of 15 years, Eva Bigham; a daughter, Theresa Gilliland (Gill) of Atlanta, GA; grandchildren, Tracy R. Jackson (David), Scott Gilliland (Jennifer), and Mindy McManus (David "Byrd"); great¬grandchildren, William A. Jackson and Moria Hutto; sister, Marjorie Muzyka of Willis, TX: brother, Albin Zabawa (Carolyn) of Fayetteville, GA; numerous nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents, Pauline and Edward Zabawa; wife, Mary Merlene Zabawa; a daughter, Mary Jane Roach; great grandchildren Melissa Sue Mattox and Godwin Zabawa; and siblings, Dorothy Krezinski and Edward Zabawa Jr. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 AM, Monday, August 29, 2016 at Our Lady of the Lake Catholic Church by the Rev. Peter Sousa, C.Ss.R. Rosary will be prayed at 10:00 AM, Monday followed by the Wake and Visitation. Interment with military honors will be held on Tuesday, August 30, 2016 at 10:00 AM at Fort Jackson National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Our Lady of the Lake Catholic Church, PO Box 549, Chapin, SC 29036. Memories and condolences may be sent to the family at www.whitakerfuneralhome.com. Whitaker Funeral Home Chapin is assisting the family