Dr. Robert Anthony Hermetz

Dr. Robert Anthony Hermetz

Funeral services for Dr. Robert Hermetz will be held on Tuesday, March 15, 2016 at 2:00 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church in Meridian with Reverend Kenneth Boudreau, Reverend Kyle York, and Dr. Rhett Payne officiating. Dr. Hermetz’s Community Chorus, which he founded in 1971, will also be present to honor him through song. Burial service will take place at Magnolia Cemetery with Barham Family Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.

Dr. Hermetz, age 77, of Meridian, passed away Friday, March 11, 2016 at Anderson Regional Medical Center.

Robert Hermetz was born on November 21, 1938, in Foley, Alabama, to parents Anthony and Josephine Hermetz. The youngest of four siblings, he learned from a young age the value of hard work as he began shining shoes at a local barber shop, eventually saving enough money to buy a trumpet. His musical talents were obvious, a gift from the Lord, and he dedicated his life to the mission of worshiping God through song.

Dr. Hermetz holds a Ph. D in music education from Florida State University, where he worked as assistant conductor of two major choral organizations while completing requirements for his degree.  He also served four years in the United States Navy, where he was lieutenant commander. Upon accepting the position of choral director at Meridian Junior College in 1971, he founded the Meridian Community Chorus, which he proudly conducted for 45 years. He also founded the Variations singing group and co-directed numerous musicals at MCC, as well as performed in various Meridian Little Theatre productions. In May 2015, the chorus room at Meridian Community College was named in his honor. Dr. Hermetz was an elder and music director at Trinity Lutheran church. He fell in love with the people of Meridian and made it his goal to enrich the community through music, gladly offering his voice in service to the Lord and to others throughout the community.

From a worldly perspective, Dr. Hermetz’s resume was outstanding, but the greatest accomplishment in his eyes was his investment in the lives of his family, friends and students. He recognized his calling to use his gifts to serve the kingdom of God, and he sought to shape not only the musical talents of his students but also their character. He was a faithful, patient, gracious, and loving husband to the love of his life, Debbie, and to his two girls, Jennifer and Kristen.

Dr. Hermetz is survived by his wife of 36 years, Debra Ann Hermetz of Meridian; daughters, Jennifer Alison York and husband, Kyle of Brandon, and Kristen Marie Pittman and husband, Jami of Clinton; grandchildren, Mason Robert York and Caleb Everett York; sister, Joyce Hawkins and husband, Skip of Friendswood, TX; sisters-in-law, Ginny Hermetz of Gulfport and Myrna Hermetz of Cullman, Alabama; and a host of nieces, nephews, and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Anthony and Josephine Hermetz and brothers, Reverend Harold Hermetz and Paul Hermetz.

Family and friends may sign the online guestbook at robertbarhamffh.com.

Visitation will be held Monday, March 14, 2016 from 5:00-7:00 p.m. at Robert Barham Family Funeral Home and an hour prior to the service on Tuesday, March 15, 2016 at First Presbyterian Church.