HAR is deeply saddened to announce the passing of former HAR President Lynn S. Zarr at the age of 83. Lynn, a longtime leader and mentor in the real estate industry, passed away peacefully on Sunday, September 1, 2024 surrounded by his beloved wife and three sons. HAR extends heartfelt condolences to his family, friends and colleagues during this difficult time.
Lynn, known affectionately as “Papa Zarr,”, was born on July 25, 1941 to Elizabeth Sinclair Zarr and Dr. Luther Lynn Zarr. He was proud to be a third-generation Houstonian with deep roots extending through The Heights, River Oaks and West Houston. At the age of 13, while attending Camp Stewart, Lynn lost his father to a heart attack. His mother later married Elliott G. Flowers, who played a significant role in Lynn’s life.
In high school, Lynn started dating the love of his life, Sherry Ray Strater. The high school sweethearts celebrated 62 years of marriage. They raised three sons in Houston, who blessed them with eight grandchildren.
Lynn began his college education at Tulane University in New Orleans and later transferred to Texas Wesleyan University, where he obtained an undergraduate degree in English and History as well as a master’s degree in Hospital Administration.
With a family heritage of doctors, he chose the business side of the medical profession and became the hospital administrator of Ben Taub Hospital in Houston. It wasn’t long before he realized his passion was dealing with people, and so he embarked on a career in real estate.
In 1973, he accepted a job with John Daugherty Realtors®, where he quickly became Vice President of Sales. Three years later, Lynn ventured out on his own and founded Zarr & Co
Realtors® which grew to one the largest independently owned residential real estate firms in Houston. Through a series of acquisitions and a significant merger, the company became Heritage Texas Properties.
During his illustrious real estate career, Lynn served as the 1993 President of the Houston Association of Realtors®. HAR will always be grateful for and honored by Lynn’s service and support of the Association. He also served on a National Association of Realtors® committee that was instrumental in the invention and implementation of the electronic key box—a transformative technology that is still used today by agents across the country.
Lynn and Sherry moved permanently to New Braunfels in 2008. While a Houstonian at heart, Lynn loved his twilight years in the Texas Hill Country spending time with his family and friends.
Lynn is preceded in death by his father Dr. Luther Lynn Zarr, his mother Elizabeth Sinclair Flowers, step-father Elliot G. Flowers and his sister Lucy Zarr Foyt. He is survived by his wife, Sherry Strater Zarr; their three sons Lynn Sinclair Zarr, Jr., David Strater Zarr and his wife Nicole Domercq Zarr, Jefferey Powell Zarr and his wife Brooke Burney Zarr; step-brother, Elliott Flowers, Jr.; step-sister Leigh Flowers Bonner; and eight grandchildren: Lynn “Luke” Zarr, III, Mackenzie Nicole Zarr, Elinor “Ellie” Zarr, John Strater Zarr, Riley Kate Zarr, Jake Powell Zarr, Annie Elizabeth Zarr and Cooper William Zarr.
A memorial service will be held Wednesday, September 11 at 1 p.m. at Grace Bible Church, 6325 Hurst Street in Houston.
In lieu of customary remembrances, the family requests that memorial contributions be directed to the Tunnel to Towers Foundation.
Read his full obituary ONLINE HERE.
