ELBERTA, Ala. — The Baldwin County historical community is mourning the loss of Baldwin County Heritage Museum co-founder Joe Salzman.

The 86-year-old Elberta native and longtime resident passed away Thursday.

The married father was a World War II Navy veteran, serving in Okinawah, Japan.

He also traveled to Chicago to attend Coyne Electric School. While there, he met and married his wife Pauline.

Salzman was a rural mail carrier for 35 years, as well as a past member of the Elberta Farmers’ Co-Op and Elberta Vounteer Fire Department. He was also a lifelong member of St. Bartholemew Catholic Church.

According to Baldwin County Probate Judge Tim Russell, Salzman was part of a group that established BCHM in 1983 in an effort to preserve the county’s history.

“Everybody loved Joe Salzman,” he said.

But Russell’s familiarity dates back longer than the museum’s founding.

“I had the pleasure of knowing him as a little boy,” he said.

One memory, in particular, stood out.

“He rode is pony to get to school every day until the eighth grade,” Russell said.

Salzman remained involved with the museum over the years, serving on the museum’s board of directors, as well as a docent until his passing.

“He would take everybody around the museum and grounds and explain to them about Baldwin County’s history,” said museum representative Coletta Bailey.

Salzman was preceded in death by his parents Walter and Anna Salzmann, wife Pauline Salzmann and son, Arther “Gene” Salzmann. He is survived by his daughter, Frances Bush; son, Paul (Kathy) Salzmann; grandchildren Gina (Scott) Lee, Genenvie (Brent) Hutfless, Eddie (Susan) Strauss, Zack Salzmann and Annilse Salzmann; four great grandchildren; and sister-in-law Dixie (Tommy) Dugan; as well as several nieces and nephews.

Salzman’s funeral was held Monday morning at St. Bartholemew. Burial followed at Elberta Municipal Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that memorials be made to the Baldwin Heritage Museum, P. O. Box 356, Elberta, AL 36530 www.baldwincountyheritagemuseum.com.