Dr. Henry Germer

Dr. Henry “Hank” A. Germer died April 23, 2025, in Jonesboro, Arkansas, his hometown for over four decades. He was 86 years old. He is survived by his wife, Nancy Jacobs Germer, his son, Richard Andrew Germer of Chicago, Illinois, his daughter, Alicia Germer Nevins of Houston, Texas, and his grandson, Henry Ian Nevins, of Houston, Texas.

Hank Germer was a classic example of the American Dream. The grandson of a German immigrant, he was born into a large community of German immigrants and their descendants in San Antonio, Texas, on July 2, 1938. His first language was German. His father was a factory worker and his mother a cleaner. Not only was he the first in his family to attend college, but he received a full scholarship to the University of New Mexico in Albuquerque, New Mexico, from which he graduated in 1960 with a degree in Electrical Engineering. After graduation he served as an officer in the United States Marine Corps in the anti-aircraft division, achieving the rank of Lieutenant. While serving in the reserves, he earned his PhD in Biophysics from the University of Houston in 1968.

Hank and Nancy’s love story began when Nancy was locked out of her dorm room at college, and a handsome young Marine wandered by. Hank was immediately smitten with the tall, beautiful redhead with the megawatt smile, and six short weeks later he asked her to marry him. He happily sold a treasured gun to buy her a ring, and they were married on June 17, 1961. Children followed in due time: their daughter Alicia, in 1965, and their son Richard, in 1968. Hank often said marrying Nancy was the best decision he ever made. Their loving marriage lasted for 63 years.

Hank was an extraordinarily gifted person. A true polymath with a deep and broad knowledge of many fields, he excelled in almost everything he tried. After achieving his PhD, his teaching career began at the University of Texas Medical Branch, where he taught in the Department of Physiology. He was employed for 13 years by DuPont in the Medical Products Department, serving as a Quality Control Chemist and Product Control Supervisor. At Arkansas State University he taught statistics as an Associate Professor in the Department of Marketing and Management. He also taught math and science at Mississippi County Community College in Blytheville. He retired in 2000.

Hank Germer was committed to his community. He was a member of Central Baptist Church where he faithfully served in the Media Ministry for many years, helping to create and run the media for church services. He also served as one of the teachers of the Agape Couples Sunday School Class. He served as treasurer on the Board of Directors of the Arkansas Quality Council for many years. He was president for two years of the local chapter of MOAA, the Military Officers Association of America. An active member of the Rotary Club of Jonesboro for decades, and a Paul Harris Fellow, Hank organized and participated in numerous projects to benefit his community.

Hank’s talents didn’t just extend to his career and community service. He was a fine photographer. Most of his children’s baby pictures were not only taken by him, but the film was developed and the pictures printed by him. He was also a fine woodworker and built sturdy bookshelves which held his massive collection of books. He had a talent for fixing almost anything. Nancy rarely had to call a repair person for anything because Hank could probably fix it. If his family ever had trouble opening or closing something, turning it on or off, putting it together or taking it apart, he was almost always able to set it to rights. He was an excellent emcee. While he worked at DuPont, he was often called upon to host events, including roasts, where he masterfully led the ceremonies with his wonderful sense of humor. For 13 years he wrote and starred in with Nancy a popular series of commercials for a local grocery store, Wallace and Owens. He also enjoyed acting in local plays now and then. He was a licensed firearms dealer, which led to years of study and a vast knowledge of all types of firearms, but his specialty was antique single-shot rifles. He enjoyed hunting and skeet-shooting, and throughout his life he participated in and won target-shooting contests.

Hank was a voracious reader. His family would see him with a book in his lap almost every day. He read science-fiction, mystery, and spy novels. He was a history buff, and his bookshelves were stuffed with history books of all kinds, but he particularly enjoyed reading on early American and Native American history. He loved music, especially gospel and bluegrass. Hank was also a collector. In addition to antique guns, he also enjoyed collecting, and often repairing, clocks.

He was interested in biology and wildlife from a young age. He especially loved birds and was a lifetime member of the Audubon Society. His love for animals also extended to cats and dogs. He treasured the three purebred Springer Spaniels who shared his life, and Nancy and he had many cats throughout the years, starting at the beginning of their marriage and continuing throughout their life together. Many of their cats started out as strays who made their way to the Germer’s house where they were plied with treats and heating pads until they were welcomed inside to live their best lives pampered and in comfort.

There are many words that could be used to describe Hank Germer: loving, caring, gentle, kind, capable, insightful, meticulous, artistic, intelligent, funny, and so many many more. No one word could ever describe a person or his life, but if there were only one for Hank Germer, it would be “loyalty.” Loyal to his wife of 63 years, loyal to his community, loyal to his principles, and loyal to God, he lived a life of loving service to everyone around him.

A memorial service will be held Saturday, May 3, 2025, at Central Baptist Church at 1:00 pm with Jay Jacobs officiating and Emerson Funeral Home in charge of arrangements with visitation beginning at noon. Honorary pallbearers will be Harry Puddephatt, Max Dacus, Dr. Bob Warner and Mary Ellen Warner, the members of the Agape Sunday School Class at Central Baptist Church, the local chapter of MOAA, and Drs. Lorna and Brian Jenkins of Auckland, New Zealand.

For lasting memorial donations please consider the Central Baptist Church missions or building funds. To sign an online guestbook, go to emersonfuneralhome.com.