John “Doc” William Zerr was born on January 20, 1945, to Arnold Valentine Zerr and Lucine Victoria Finger Zerr in Hondo, TX. He was one of six children. He passed away April 22, 2017 in San Antonio, at the age of 72.
In addition to his parents, Arnold and Lucine, he was preceded in death by his son-in-law, Mitch Bales; brother, Bernard A. Zerr; sister, Patsy L. Graff; brothers-in-law, Roland A. Eckhart and Leo Dannemiller.
Survivors include his loving wife of 50 years, Mary; children Marc (Janet) Zerr and Amy Zerr-Bales; and honorary German son, Thorsten Holtz; grandchildren, Jake Zerr, Jordan Zerr, Lillian (AJ) Bales-Camacho and Reece ‘Max’ Bales; sisters; Mary Alice Eckhart, Frances Dannemiller, Molly (Tim) Herbst; brothers-in law, Bobby Graff, Richard Schneider and Bill (Marla) Schneider; sisters-in-law, Pat Zerr and Cheryl Kidd; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives, and his beloved “ACTS” brothers.
John was raised in the Catholic faith attending the St. John’s Catholic school for grades 1-8 and then graduating in 1962 from Hondo High School. He served the church from a young age as an altar boy and continued to serve throughout his adult life in many capacities. He is most proud of helping form the Hondo” ACTS” community, that has grown to over 500 participants, and seeing others become closer to God. John also had a great love for the “Mighty Hondo Owls”. From early on, it was his dream, to play football. When he was very young he would sneak into the field to watch the boys every practice, so they finally made him their mascot. He even got to travel with the team, proudly wearing the uniform that his mom made for him and even received a letter jacket just like the rest of the team. John was a 4 year varsity member of the football team and a team captain. He planned to have a career playing football when he had a life-threatening head injury his senior year that ended that path. Luckily his coach introduced him to Delmar Brown whom was a very successful athletic trainer. So began the next love of his life. John was a very revered athletic trainer by all in the trade. He was instrumental in inventing several devices that are still used to this day by professionals. He had associations with many pro-football teams and several of his student trainers went on to work with the Dallas Cowboys, San Francisco 49ers and the Philadelphia Eagles. He served on the Rawlings Sporting Goods Advisory Board as a special consultant from 1979 to 1986. In 1985 John became the first high school trainer to be Chairman of the National Athletic Trainers Association Convention held in San Antonio. As a member of the elite 25 year NATA family, John was also given the Everett Blackburn award for unselfish contribution to the advancement of the athletic training profession. John worked as trainer for over 40 years. While working at the school, he taught History and Health. During his “spare time”, he farmed and ranched.
John also had a passion for cooking. He loved to serve his meals to everyone and watch as they enjoyed his bounty. One of his favorite things in the world to do was make sausage. He was very particular about making sausage, so if you were invited to join in the activity, you know you were a very lucky person. He most enjoyed doing this with his grandchildren passing on the traditions to the next generation.
John was blessed with two children, a son Marc, a daughter Amy Bales. They, with their spouses, Janet and Mitch Bales (deceased) have given John the most joy seeing his four grandchildren grow up to be contributing citizens. These four, Jake, Jordan, Lillie and Max kept John young in his thinking, knowing that they could always come home and program his TV when it was needed. He was proud of their academic achievements. He hopes their path continues.
There are so many things for him to be remembered…but everyone who truly knew him…knew he gave his all to everything he did. It was unbelievable how many people he knew, both near and far…seems everywhere he went he would know someone…and of course, he never met a stranger. He was a great man among men.
His honesty and integrity stood without question…and yes, he wanted things done right…and done his way…He was our very own “Santa”, as he truly was the spirit of loving and giving!
The Holy Rosary will be recited Monday, May 1, 2017 at 10:30 a.m. followed by a Memorial Mass of the Resurrection at 11:00 a.m. at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church. Memorials may be made in Doc’s memory to the John “Doc” Zerr Memorial Scholarship Fund at Community National Bank or the charity of your choice.
Arrangements by Tondre-Guinn Funeral Home.