Herman Carl Meister's Obituary
Herman Carl Meister of Tampa, Florida, passed away on January 28, 2019 at the age of 72.
Herman is survived by his beautiful, devoted wife of fifty years, Joyce Knill Meister; his son-in-law and daughter, Charlie and Heather Sniffen, his son Timothy Meister; his son Benjamin Meister; his granddaughter Gabrielle Sniffen; and his brothers, Lionel Meister, Gordon Meister and Ralph Meister. He is preceded in death by his parents Herman Meister and Constance Martin; his beloved and dear aunt, Lydia Meister Zenkert and his brother Martin Meister.
Herman was born in 1946 in Cleveland, Ohio, as the sixth and youngest son. He graduated from Bob Jones University with a bachelor’s degree in theology in 1968. He received a master’s degree in Biblical Exposition from Pensacola Christian College in 1983, and a master’s degree in Education from Indiana Wesleyan in 2003.
Herman dedicated his life to the service of God and his fellow man. Herman was an educator, coach, school administrator, pastor, and missionary. He served in ministry at Santa Rosa Christian, Community Christian, Citrus Park Christian and El-Bethel Baptist Church. Since 2008 Herman served as a missionary with Bible Basics International, making over 20 mission trips to Honduras, where he taught pastors at the Bible Institute and facilitated an annual medical trip serving thousands of people in need.
Herman never met a stranger and was always willing to give the shirt off his back to anyone at any time. Because of his ability to connect with others, friends of all ages often sought his counsel as they dealt with the complexities of life. On many occasions, people would stop by the family residence to visit with him as they sought guidance. He cherished visiting with others and was unmatched in his story telling. His students loved to hear his stories, often competing with each other to see who could get Mr. Meister off track and onto the next great story. Herman always managed to weave important life lessons into his stories.
Herman was a very humble man with a quick wit and great sense of humor. He would never shy away from a practical joke, costume, or other completely unexpected behavior in which he could engage. He led by example employing laughter to connect with others. Even as recently as October of this past year, he began a wedding speech with a traditional dance sending attendees into roaring laughter. His attitude and smile were contagious. He was beloved by his students, colleagues and parishioners and was well known for his tireless dedication to his work and calling.
Foremost, Herman was a family man. He was a loving husband, amazing father, and friend. There was nothing that he held closer than his wife and children; until 2006 when his granddaughter was born. As busy as he stayed, he was always available for his family in a moment’s notice. His primary concern was always Joyce. Never concerned about himself, he was always worried how Joyce would handle any of his medical updates.
An hour of visitation followed by a funeral service, is scheduled for 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, February 5, 2019, at Hillsdale Baptist Church, 6201 Ehrlich Rd, Tampa, FL. All are welcome to attend and celebrate Herman’s life. In lieu of flowers the family asks that you consider a donation to either of the foundations below.
https://www.patientadvocate.org/get-involved/donate/ https://panfoundation.org/index.php/en/donors/donate
Isaiah 40:31- But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.
Philippians 3:14 - I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.
The family would like to invite those who are not able to be here for the service to participate via the following link on the day of the service:
http://www.hillsdalebaptist.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=265&Itemid=295
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