The Rev. Robert O. Zehr, 86, a native of Delaware and resident of Des Allemands passed away on Saturday, May 13, 2017.
Zehr is survived by his wife of 64 years, Vivian G. Zehr; sons, Lynn Zehr, Robert L. Zehr and Michael Zehr; daughters, Gayle Triay, Sheila Zehr Robert and Viviene Benjamin; sisters, Angeline Solway, Phyllis Ezard, Violet Swartzentruber, Edith Gehman, Joyce Maust, Alma Bergey and Esther Clemens and 11 grandchildren, Jeremey, Christian, Zachary, Rachel, John, Matt, Brynna, Jasper, Tallulah, Coralie and Agnes.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Vernon and Verna Zehr; brother, Vernon Zehr, Jr.; grandchild, Lauren Zehr.Bob was a farmer, construction worker, student graduating from Southeastern Louisiana College, then teacher before he became a full-time licensed ordained minister within the Mennonite Church in 1962. He was the only white teacher at Covington’s Rosenwald Middle School in 1968, the final year of court-ordered integration. Bob also taught English and Speech at Covington High School. He served the Lord in pastoring Mennonite Churches in Louisiana and Kansas before retiring in 1999 as pastor of the Des Allemands Mennonite Church after 22 years, leaving retirement to serve as interim pastor in Jackson, Miss.
As a church leader, Bob also served as Conference Minister and Historian as well as a General Board member for the Mennonite Church.
Bob was very active within the local community serving on the boards of St. Charles Parish Council on Aging, Citizens Advisory Panel for River Parishes Industry, Associated Catholic Charities, and Senior Citizens Computer Club. He was a founder and long-time board member of the St. Charles Parish Social Concerns Committee where he helped establish their thrift store, raising funds to help those in need. He was actively involved in post Katrina relief efforts, spearheading recovery in Buras, La.
Bob will be remembered as a loving husband and brother, a patient and kind father, and a friend who shared his wisdom, always without judgment. His dynamic yet humble life was a testament to his character; his life’s work was his thanks for salvation in Jesus.
Memorial donations may be made to the St. Charles Parish Social Concerns, 1601 Paul Maillard Road, Luling, LA 70070; Phone: (985) 785-1229.
Falgout Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.Visitation was held May 16 at Des Allemands Mennonite Church followed by funeral services.
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