Howard R. Wimmer

Howard R. Wimmer, 89, of Salem, passed away Saturday, July 16, 2011. Howard was born in Salem, a son of the late Lindsay Wimmer and Emma Calloway Wimmer and was an area resident all of his life. He was a US Army veteran of World War II, a founding member of the Penguin Club, and a member of the First Christian Church in South Salem. An avid sports fan, he enjoyed golf and Virginia Tech football. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his first wife, Nancy Ward Wimmer, a brother, J. Donald Wimmer, and a sister, Virginia Phillips. Mr. Wimmer was a renowned jewelry hand engraver for over 60 years. He began his apprenticeship with Henebrys Jewelers in Roanoke and provided engraving services for several jewelry stores over the next six decades. Most recently he worked at Frank L. Moose Jeweler in Roanoke. He engraved in different languages including French, German, Greek and Hebrew and also engraved a plaque in Korean that was presented to Roanokes sister city, Wonju, Korea, He is survived by his loving wife, Louise Sawyers Wimmer; three step-children, Keven Moore and his wife Kathy; Pam Meador and her husband Bobbie; Karen Moore and her husband Ernie Braganza; 5 step-grandchildren; 5 step great-grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews. The family would like to take this opportunity to express their sincere appreciation to the staff of the Virginia Veterans Care Center, 1 East, for the care and compassion shown to the family and Howard during these past months. Funeral Services will be held at 2PM, Monday, July 18, 2011 in the Chapel of John M. Oakey & Son Funeral Home. The Rev. Dan Netting will officiate. Burial will follow at Sherwood Memorial Park where graveside military honors will be afforded by members of the Virginia Army National Guard Military Funeral Honors Team. The family will receive friends from 6 to 8PM, Sunday (this evening) at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the First Christian Church, 712 Front Ave. Salem, VA 24153. An online guest book is available for family and friends by visiting www.johnmoakey.com.