John Herman Zeller

John Herman Zeller was born August 6, 1920 in Chattanooga, OK and passed from this life on November 6, 2016 at 96 years of age. He and his wife Velma Lorene Branson were married in Indianapolis, IN on October 12, 1943 and had 4 children. He was preceded in death by his parents John and Leah Zeller, sisters Martha Zeller and Vera Ruth Zeller Bryan, brothers William “Bill” Joseph and Robert Paul Zeller, and nephew Ralph Edward Zeller. He is survived by his wife of 73 years Velma Lorene Zeller, son Harold David and wife Nancy, son John Paul and wife Barbara, son Larry Joseph and wife Jeanette, daughter Eva Ruth Eiklor, 9 grandchildren, 14 great-grand children and a host of nieces and nephews.

He was an active member of the Wilshire church of Christ where he served as an elder for many years. Throughout his lifetime he and Lorene made numerous mission trips abroad and throughout the United States. At 80 years of age he chose to continue his mission work through the National Evangelism with Sojourners, a mission of the churches of Christ and continued that work until the age of 90. Herman and Lorene completed 53 sojourns in 17 states. He continued with the Lord's work for the rest of his life.

After attending High School in Chattanooga, OK he attended a trade school in Chickasha, OK where he learned the skills of Tool and Die making. During World War II, he was sent to Connecticut then to Indianapolis, IN where he worked at Bridgeport Brass using his skills as a Tool and Die maker.

When the war ended, he returned to Chattanooga, Oklahoma and began his farming career. He moved to Wewoka in 1969 and ranched until 1973. He then moved to Oklahoma City and worked for Continental Plastics, opened a machine shop, and operated a fleet truck service business. He volunteered working at Oklahoma Christian University for several years and was employed by OC from 1991 to 2000 in the College of Mechanical Engineering.

Throughout his entire lifetime he was an avid gardener and shared his bountiful produce with family, friends, and neighbors.

His training and experience developed him into an extremely creative inventor. He is well known for his many creations. It was said many times, “Just ask Herman. He can do it!!” His kids knew that if Dad couldn't fix it they could throw it away.

Herman had a tremendous impact on untold thousands of people. He was loved by all who knew him, and his generosity, ingenuity, love, humility, caring spirit and sense of humor will be greatly missed.