Couple married 73 years die within hours of each other: ‘Just a love story’

MOUNT VERNON, Texas (KLTV/Gray News) – After spending more than seven decades together, a Texas couple died within hours of each other.

Carol and JoAnn VanZandt were married for 73 years. After 93-year-old Carol died Aug. 29 of natural causes, his 88-year-old wife died less than 12 hours later, also of natural causes.

Loved ones say losing both of the VanZandts on the same day pains them, but they’re at peace knowing neither Carol nor JoAnn had to grieve the loss of the other.

“‘Til death do ‘em part. That’s just it. I mean, they literally couldn’t live without each other,” neighbor Haley English said.

The family says the morning Carol died, JoAnn, who had been unresponsive, seemed to feel his absence.

“There were tears. That’s the first time she had shown any emotion since she’d been in the hospital bed,” said the couple’s daughter, Toni VanZandt.

The VanZandts were married in 1953 and went on to have three children. They earned the names Papa Carol and Mama Jo with five grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren and five great-great-grandchildren.

“Mother was the feisty one always. Dad was as calm as that water,” Toni said. “The beauty of their story overshadows any sadness.”

The family says the couple’s partnership was the key to their bond.

“You always wanted to be like them. I wish I could be half,” said Tina Dilday, the couple’s daughter.

“They did everything together,” said their grandson, Leonard Heath Ray.

“They were a team in that way,” Toni said.

Neighbors of the VanZandts say after nearly three-quarters of a century together, their hearts grew intertwined.

“She would always have her hand on him. They were very loving,” said Tom Dorman, the couple’s neighbor of 20 years. “It was just a love story. Something somebody should write a book about. It’s something you don’t see anymore these days: people being together for that long.”

Papa Carol and Mama Jo’s relationship leaves behind not only an example but also a way of life:

“Love one another as much as they did. Because you got to see it, and laugh and smile and be happy that you’re there together every day. They loved each other wholeheartedly, with all their being,” Ray said.

The VanZandts were laid to rest Thursday.…Read more by Gray News staff, Katie Parker