Dr. Bennie Arnold Zacek, 82, of Kingwood, Texas, passed away peacefully at his home on October 29, 2026. He was surrounded by his loving family and his favorite loyal dog, Piper.

Bennie was born June 19, 1944 on the family farm in Needville, Texas to Edward and Elizabeth (Zatopek) Zacek, both of whom preceded him in death. He was the third of six children.

Bennie was a 1962 graduate of Needville High School where he played football for the Bluejays and earned the nickname “Golden Toe” for his barefoot kicking style. He then went on to earn his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from Texas A&M University in 1968, after which he served our country in the United States Air Force Veterinary Corps for five years, three of which were overseas in Karamursel, Turkey. Captain Zacek was responsible for all veterinary functions at the base including food inspections and animal diseases communicable to man with a focus on rabies control.

Bennie and his first wife, Sandra Martin, settled in Kingwood in 1974 where they raised their four children. He founded Kingwood Animal Hospital in 1973 where he found his joy in successfully running the practice until his retirement in 2022. Retiring could not keep him from doing what he loved most. Bennie continued relief work at various veterinary hospitals in the Houston area until 2025.

Bennie loved golf, watching Aggie football, barbequing, deep sea and bay fishing, and hunting with his brothers. He also enjoyed bringing the family together at Surfside Beach for relaxing summer getaways. He loved sharing funny stories with his own brand of sarcastic wit.

He is survived by his wife of 30 years, Tracy Zacek, Bennie and Sandra’s children: Jessica Zacek, Casey (Dao) Zacek, Meredith (Douglas) Barkley, and Collin (April) Zacek; 7 grandchildren: Brenden & Chloe Zacek, Emma, Ryan, and Ashley Zacek, and Camille and Blythe Barkley; and his siblings: George (Kaybeth) Zacek, Louis (Jeannine) Zacek, Robert (Helen) Zacek, Donald (Sandra) Zacek, Gloria Zacek (William), and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to their cousin, Deacon Dr. Lee Jan, for presiding over Bennie’s service. A memorial and reception will be held at Darst Funeral Home on Saturday, November 28, 2026 at 1:00 p.m. (www.Darstfuneralhome.com).

Darst Funeral Home

700 Russell Palmer Rd.

Kingwood, Texas 77339

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Citizens For Animal Protection (CAP) www.cap4pets.org

A Military Honors Service and interment will be held at Houston National Cemetery at a date yet to be established.