Paul T. Zeek
November 17, 1939 - June 11, 2019
Paul Tuesburg Zeek was born in Youngstown, Ohio and grew up in El Paso, Texas. He began his Athletic Training career at Austin High School under the supervision of football coaches. He then attended Texas Western College (now known as UTEP) and grew his knowledge and skills under the tutelage of Hall of Fame Trainer Ross Moore. His duties included working with the football team and a young coach O. A. “Bum” Phillips.
In 1963, the legendary coach Bum Phillips took the Head Football Coach position at Port Neches-Groves High School and he lured Paul to the Gulf Coast as the first trainer at PN-G. In 1965, he became the athletic trainer at Brazosport High School in Freeport where he served for 6 years.
In 1971, Paul went to Lamar University to begin a distinguished 35-year career at the University. From 1971 to 1992, he was the Head Athletic Trainer over all intercollegiate sports at Lamar. During this time, he was the Director of the Athletic Training program which was ahead of its time as he was instrumental in developing one of the first coeducational athletic training programs in the nation. He oversaw the education of dozens of student athletic trainers during this period. Paul was also a tenured instructor in the Department of Health, Kinesiology, and Dance.
Paul completed his Lamar tenure as the Senior Associate Athletic Director where his chief responsibility included NCAA and Southland Conference rules compliance. Due to his vast experience, he also played a large role in the day to day operations of the athletic department up to his retirement in August of 2006.
In Paul’s over 50-year career as an Athletic Trainer, he never had to go out looking for the next rung on his career path. His reputation and the word of mouth of those who knew him led him to his succession of jobs. As a way to repay those that helped him along his path, Paul mentored young Athletic Trainers by encouraging their professional involvement and sharing his history of the profession.
Paul was also an important influence in the athletic training profession throughout the country, especially in the areas of education and professional recognition. In Texas, he was instrumental in establishing state licensure. Texas issued the first Athletic Trainer license to Paul Zeek.
Along his career he was always humble and never sought recognition or accolades but his peers and colleagues bestowed many honors on him during his career.
Upon retirement, Paul moved to Boerne to be nearer to family and avoid the annual effects of Hurricanes. He continued to be involved with athletics in retirement by assisting with a variety of UTSA athletic tournaments and attending his grandkids games. He had a smile and a story for all he met. He even charmed the nurses of Alamo Hospice as they assisted in his care.
Paul Zeek was preceded in death by his parents Carl and Madge Tuesburg Zeek, and his sister Mary Zeek Knox. He is survived by his wife Phyllis Marshall Zeek; his daughter Karen Zeek Hartzler and her husband Doug of Boerne, Texas; daughter Leanne Zeek Jackson and her husband Craig of Haslet, Texas; Brother-in-Law Robert Knox of Bedford, Texas; granddaughter Elizabeth Hartzler of Arlington, Texas; grandson Sam Hartzler of Boerne, Texas; step-grandson Josh Jackson of Seattle, Washington; as well as multiple extended family, and a plethora of student athletes and athletic trainers whose lives he touched during his long career.
A Celebration of Life will be planned by the family at a later date. The family requests any memorials be made to the Paul T. Zeek Lamar University Student Athletic Trainer Scholarship at Lamar University Foundation, P.O. Box 11500, Beaumont, TX 77710 for the Paul T. Zeek Lamar University Student Athletic Trainer Scholarship or www.lamar.edu/give. To leave condolences for the family, please visit www.ebensberger-fisher.com and select obituaries.
Arrangements with Ebensberger-Fisher Funeral Home of Boerne.

7-5-19 14:40