Helmut Rudolf Zehrer, age 84, of Kingwood, Texas, passed away peacefully on October 24, 2025, surrounded by loved ones.

Born on April 3, 1941, in Brooklyn, New York, Helmut was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and friend. He is survived by Carole Ann Pietz Zehrer, his beloved wife of 56 years; children Peter Helmut Zehrer and wife Beth, and Catherine Johanna Zehrer Nichols and husband Kevin; grandchildren Andrew Zehrer and Julianna Nichols; sister-in-law Violet Zehrer and nephews John Zehrer and Dan Zehrer; sister-in-law Marion Pietz; and sister-in-law Elsie Clifford and family. He was preceded in death by his parents, Max Zehrer and Johanna Horlbeck Zehrer, and brother Werner Zehrer.

Helmut was a graduate of the Manhattan High School of Aviation Trades in 1958 at the age of 17. He then worked on Wall Street as a runner, before joining the military.

Helmut proudly served his country in the United States Air Force from 1960 to 1963, earning a Good Conduct Medal and honorably discharged. His time in the service was an extension of his lifelong love of airplanes and aviation.

After his military service, Helmut worked for 28 years as a jet engine mechanic for Pan American World Airways at John F. Kennedy Airport in New York, then later in Houston. He also worked at Ultrair and then Continental Airlines, where he retired in 2006. He was also a proud parishioner of St. Martha's Catholic Church and member of the Knights of Columbus.

A visitation will take place on Thursday, November 13 at 6:00 PM at Darst Funeral Home, 796 Russell Palmer Rd, Kingwood, Texas, immediately followed by a reciting of the Rosary. A funeral service will be held on Friday, November 14, at 10:30 AM at St. Martha Catholic Church, 4301 Woodridge Parkway, Porter, Texas. Interment with military honors will be at Houston National Cemetery, 10410 Veterans Memorial Dr., Houston, Texas, on Monday, November 24, at 1:15 PM. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made to the USO.

Always one to make you laugh with a joke or a funny story, Helmut worked hard to provide for his family. "The Big Z" will be deeply missed and forever remembered.