Emil Zoltan Zilai, 75, of Big Spring, died on Wednesday, January 17, 2007, at Midland Memorial Hospital due to complications related to cancer. Memorial services will be held at 2:00 PM Monday, January 22, 2007 at the Nalley-Pickle & Welch Rosewood Chapel with Pastor Wayne Frost, of St. Paul Lutheran Church, officiating.He was born on March 25, 1931, in Martin's Ferry, Ohio.Mr. Zilai had lived in Big Spring for 37 years. He achieved Masters level education and attended various universities including, West Liberty University, Thunderbird School of Business, University of West Virginia, Ohio State University and the University of Mexico City. Mr. Zilai retired from the Big Spring State Hospital where he worked as a hospital administrator. He was a veteran of the United States Navy and was a member of VFW Post 2013 in Big Spring. He enjoyed reading and traveling. Mr. Zilai traveled extensively, and worked in many countries, including such places as China, Japan, Iran, Vietnam, Afghanistan, Turkey, the Yucatan, Sri Lanka, Europe and South America.Survivors include longtime friend and companion, Lela Hansen of Big Spring; two sons, Zachary Zilai of Fairbanks, Alaska and Mike Zilai of Houston; the mother of his children, Gail Zilai of Big Spring; one brother and sister-in-law, Bob and Arlene Zilai of Martin's Ferry, Ohio; one niece, Zana Zilai of Martin's Ferry, Ohio and one nephew, Zoltan Zilai of Martin's Ferry, Ohio. The family suggests memorials be made to the American Cancer Society, % Carolyn Brooks, P.O. Box 2121, Big Spring, Texas 79721-2121.Arrangements under the direction of Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home & Crematory of Big Spring. Online condolences can be made at: www.npwelch.com,
