Floyd Michael Zula

Floyd Michael Zula passed away quietly on June 22, 2025, after a brief illness, at PeaceHealth Hospital in Springfield, Oregon. He was 80 years old.

 Born in Shawnee, Oklahoma, Floyd spent his childhood in several states, with Indiana being the most formative. He was the only child of Dorothy Mildred Poe and Floyd Clement Zula, and is survived by his partner of 41 years, Kelly Laslie, as well as several cousins. 

 Floyd attended Lew Wallace High School in Gary, Indiana, and went on to graduate from Northwestern University in Evanston, Illinois, in 1967. He continued his education at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, earning a Master of Arts in Library Science in 1968.

 In April 1969, Floyd was drafted into the U.S. Army while working at Muskegon Community College in Michigan. His service took him first to Fort Ord, California, where he delivered library materials via bookmobile to military personnel, and later to Long Binh Post in Vietnam, where he continued his unique mission of bringing books and knowledge to those far from home.

 Floyd’s distinguished career as a librarian spanned several decades and institutions. He held positions at Thomas More College (now University) in Kentucky; Arkansas State University in Jonesboro from 1976 to 1978; Christopher Newport College (now University) in Newport News, Virginia, from 1978 to 1982; Tulane University in New Orleans, where he served as head of acquisitions from 1983 to 1995; and California State University, Fullerton, where he was head of collection development from 1995 until his retirement in 2004.

 After retiring, Floyd relocated to Portland, Oregon, to be with his longtime partner, Kelly. In June 2023, the couple settled in Eugene, Oregon, where they lived until Floyd’s passing.

 Floyd was an avid traveler with a deep appreciation for history, art, and architecture. He especially enjoyed journeys to Japan, Turkey, Portugal, Spain, Italy, and France. His curiosity and vast knowledge made him an exceptional traveling companion—always eager to share insights, discover hidden gems, and make every trip more meaningful and memorable. Above all, Floyd’s warmth, kindness, and gentle spirit made him a joy to be with.  

Floyd’s life was marked by a quiet dedication to learning, service, and connection. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him, and his legacy will live on in the hearts of his loved ones.