Zachary Tawwater

Zachary Alexander Tawwater was a happy and loving soul, a son, a brother, a grandson, a friend and a teammate. He left this physical world suddenly on July 5, 2024, during a tragic accident at Grand Lake with his closest friends.

ZachyT was born to Caroline Drummond and Darren Tawwater on April 26, 2006. He loved, and was deeply loved by, his family including his brothers, Ben Tawwater and Graham Tawwater, his uncles, Ryan Tawwater, Gentner Drummond, David Drummond and Jonathan Drummond, his grandparents, Melanie (“Ma”) and Larry Tawwater (“Dude”) and six cousins. He was preceded in death by his maternal grandparents, Carol Ann Drummond (“Mimi”) and Leslie Drummond (PaPa”). While not a blood relative, Zach and his family considered his life-long friend, Nathan Steiner, to be Zach’s third brother. His girlfriend, Greer DeLeon, was also an important part of his life.

His brothers, uncles, grandparents, friends, teammates, teachers and coaches had a huge impact in honing the person Zach became. His days at Westminster School taught him compassion, empathy and the value each person brings to our lives and the world. Bishop McGuiness allowed Zach to blossom into the gifted student, athlete and person he was. He was proud to have served as Treasurer of his Freshman class, a member of the National Honor Society and the Spanish Honor Society. As #88, Zach was a three-year letterman in football. As #32, Zach was a three-year letterman in basketball. While wearing a much-too-small track jersey, Zach was honorable mention All-State in discus last year as a Junior. As a rising Senior, Zach was selected to be Co-Chair of Assemblies at Bishop McGuiness and was excited to perform that function (even if his family was a little nervous about the unbridled vigor he might bring to the role).

Zach was a dedicated student and athlete. He dreamed of playing college football at a college known for its academic standing. Days before his death, Zach committed to playing football at Dartmouth College in New Hampshire. It was his proudest accomplishment and his time at the lake after committing was the happiest of his life. While deeply saddened by his death, Zach’s family believes he went out on top after using his short eighteen years to live life to its fullest.

Zach’s family has been deeply honored, humbled and strengthened by the incredible wave of support and love from places and people far and wide. They broke the mold with Zach and his family is so appreciative that so many people thought so highly of him. Please think of Zach and his infectious smile when you are sad and listen to him when he whispers in your ear to “stop being soft.” Zach had no patience for sadness and the best way to honor him is to be happy, to be kind to others and to be humble.

Zach was honored to serve on the teen board of Focus on Home, a non-profit organization whose mission is to help people seek the comfort and security of a furnished home. In lieu of flowers or food, the family would be honored if people donated to Focus on Home through Zach’s link which can be found at focusonhome.kindful.com/teenboard-2024/zach-tawwater3. Checks may also be made out and mailed to Focus on Home, 6608 N. Western Ave., Suite 202, Oklahoma City, OK 73116.

A celebration of Zach’s life will be held at Westminster Presbyterian Church, 4400 N. Shartel, Oklahoma City, OK 73118, on Thursday, July 11, 2024, at 11:00 a.m.

We love you ZachyT!