Jerome John Zinsmeyer, age 77, of Hondo, Texas, passed away peacefully and at home, Monday, January 3, 2005. Jerome was born July 5, 1927, in D'Hanis, Texas, one of three children of John W.L. Zinsmeyer and Bess Rieber Zinsmeyer. He is preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Jack Zinsmeyer. Jerome worked 29 years for the Texas Highway Department until his retirement in 1988. Prior to settling in Hondo with his wife of 56 years, Vivian Biry Zinsmeyer, he served his country in the U.S. Navy aboard the U.S.S. Iowa. He was a retired fireman from the Hondo Volunteer Fire Department, a member of St. John's Catholic Church and a lifetime member of he St. John's Historical Association. Jerome was a lifetime member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars and was a member of the American Legion Association. Jerome loved his family and friends and especially enjoyed the many gatherings at the Zinsmeyer Ranch. In addition to his wife, Vivian, Jerome is survived by his children, Suann Agold and husband Pat of Boerne, Texas; Gary Zinsmeyer and wife Mary of Hondo; and Renae McNiel and husband Clarence, also of Hondo. Grandchildren include Cathryn Mitchell and husband Demetrie, Carl Schwope and wife Leigh Anne, Rebecca, Duane, and Patricia Agold; Laura, Tammy, Meggie, Brenda, and Gari Nell Zinsmeyer; and Lana, Ryan, Bess, and Clare McNiel; Karen Pennell and husband Fred, Lisa Craddick and husband Darrell. Great-grandchildren are Blakley, Carter and Lyndsey Schwope. Jerome is also survived by his sister, Mary Ann Macey and husband, Dr. Harry B. Macey of Temple, Texas; and his sister-in-law, Jeanice Zinsmeyer Dube and husband Bob of D'Hanis, Texas. Jerome also leaves behind many nieces, nephews and friends. Arrangements have been made by Guinn-Horger Funeral Home in Hondo. The Guinn-Horger Chapel will be open for visitation from 4:00 p.m to 5:30 pm Wednesday, January 5th. Rosary will be held at St. John's Catholic Church in Hondo at 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, January 5th. The funeral service will be Thursday, January 6, 2005 at 2 p.m., also at St. John's, with burial following at Holy Cross Cemetery in D'Hanis, Texas. Pallbearers are Gary Zinsmeyer, Charles A. "Pat" Agold, Clarence McNiel, Carl Schwope, Harry B. Macey, John Zinsmeyer, Anthony Zinsmeyer, and Charles Zinsmeyer. The family suggests that memorials be made to St. John's Historical Association or to a charity of one's choosing.