Herb Zimmerman

I learned yesterday that a dear friend, Herbie Zimmerman, had passed away February 18. A memorial service is being held this morning at Memorial Baptist Church in Baytown. Herbie had two careers, one in the church and one in public school. He was ordained to the gospel ministry on his 21st birthday by the Prairie Point Baptist Church of Groesbeck, Texas, in September, 1947. Two years later, I joined him as his “sidekick” at Prairie Point. I heard him preach every Sunday for several months until I became a staff member of the First Baptist Church of Groesbeck. I was five years younger than Herbie. I learned a lot from him.
Herb Zimmerman was one of several preacher boys from the Liberty Road Baptist Church in Houston. He was the oldest. I had the privilege and honor of being one of those boys also. Herb served in the U.S. Air Force Chaplains Corps during World War II. He served as teacher and principal in the Baytown area for 37 years, retiring in 1988. He served a number of churches as pastor, beginning in 1947 and continuing until very recently.
I sang and preached in several places where he was pastor. I learned a lot from him. I think the main lesson he taught me was to be friendly, interested in people, and enjoy life. He was deeply devoted to Christ and his church, and a wonderful model for me.
He married Helen Jordan, whom he met at Baylor, and they celebrated 55 years together last August. What a wonderful influence for Christ they both have been. I will always be thankful that I was counted among their friends.