ROBERT OWENS ZELLNER

At dawn on the morning of June 29, 1952, our dear brother suddenly fell asleep in Jesus, after a long life of usefulness spent in the vicinity of Sharon Church, Monroe County, which he joined as a young man, Sept. 1, 1895. It was here that he was engaged in farming mot of his life.

He was born the eldest child of Andrew J. and Emma Owens Zellner on Sept. 6, 1869.

He was first married to Miss Effie Persons in November 1893. To this union were born five children, three having died in infancy. The surviving ones are Mrs. Frances Freeman and Berner.

After the death of this wife he was married to Miss Bessie Dumas, November 8, 1903, to which union were born eight children, three daughters: Miss Mary Zellner, Mrs. Allene Koski and Mrs. Dorothy McLarty; five sons, Cleveland, Raymond, Preston, Glen and Cornell. Twelve grandchildren survive.

To his church, which was also the church of his forefathers, from its beginning, he was ever loyal and faithful, attending regularly, bearing his part of its financial burden, and manifesting his interest in its welfare in every way.

He was a kind father and husband; he loved to have his children and grandchildren gathered around him. It was his desire that he keep the old home as long as he lived so that they might continue to come to Papa's and Grandpapa's house with all its pleasant associations.

He lived a just and upright life, being always fair and honest in his dealings with everyone. Because of this, and his kindly, friendly and cheerful disposition, it could be said of him that, "His friends could be numbered with his acquaintances."

The colored race found in him a friend, one whom they trusted and would turn to for advice, and in time of need. Often they could be heard repeating what "Mr. Robert", as they called him, said about this and that.

Funeral services were held Monday afternoon at Ramah Church, Lamar County, conducted by his pastor, Elder A. W. Corley, assisted by his nephew, Rev. Thaddeus Persons. The large number of people present and the numerous floral offerings attested the love and esteem in which he was held. His body was laid away to rest in the Church Cemetery.

Resolved that a copy of this tribute be sent to the family, one to the Banner-Herald for publication, and one be placed on the Church records.

Humbly submitted,
Carolyn Z. Nelson
Nannie M. Worsham