George Herman Lewis Zimmerman, 94
On Tuesday, May 1, 2012, George H. Zimmerman, beloved father, Grandpa, uncle and friend, departed this world. Although, he will be sadly missed, we rejoice in the truth that he lives and we will someday be with him again. Born Oct. 8, 1917 to Henry and Marie (Pershing) Zimmerman, near Seymour, Mo., George lived for 94 years, 6 months and 24 days.
George was born and raised in the Seymour area. Running around these Ozark hills he enjoyed the simple treasures of country life on his family farm. His parents passed on early in George’s life and he was raised together by his grandparents and Uncle Herman Pershing.
On Dec. 6, 1941 he enrolled in the United States Army, where he faithfully served his country during World War II. Following his discharge in the winter of 1945, George returned to his hometown.
In January 1946, he met Merle Irene Darling and one month later the couple was united in marriage. Together they lovingly raised 13 children. In 1953, George accepted Christ as his Lord and Savior and sought to serve his Lord through the fruits of his labor.
Caring for his family, tending to his land, or running a sawmill, George found favor in his hard work. He passed this work ethic on to his family, and shared his blessings with his neighbors and friends. He never knew a stranger, and welcomed those in need into his home or would lend a helping hand, never taking anything in return. George’s honest character and generosity has left a mark on his children and leaves behind a legacy for his family to carry on. He loved to spend time in his garden, to share with others.
He enjoyed going to garage sales, coon hunting, working with mules and his horses and sharpening knives. But he was most happy when he spent time with his family.
He is preceded in death by his parents; his grandparents; his Uncle Herman; his wife of 48 years, Merle Irene Zimmerman; their son Robert Zimmerman, daughter Anita Corrine Darling, and daughter-in-law Mary Zimmerman; his grandsons Christopher Russell, Thomas Coffman, and Bobby Coffman and granddaughter Becky Barker; and wife of 15 years, Alta Zimmerman.
George is survived by his children, Kenneth Zimmerman, Glenn Zimmerman, David Zimmerman and wife Betty, Bonnie Townlian and husband Gary, Terry Zimmerman and wife Rena, Tom Zimmerman and Rita Graven and husband Bob, all of Seymour, Mo., Jack Zimmerman and wife Annette of Coweta, Okla., Dorothy Wolfe and husband Leroy of Diggins, Mo., Frank (Yogi) Zimmerman and wife Debbie of Marshfield, Mo., and Fred Zimmerman of Springfield, Mo.; 37 grandchildren; 64 great-grandchildren; and 12 great-great-grandchildren; as well as a host of other family and dear friends.
We celebrate the life and accomplishments of George H. Zimmerman, a caring neighbor, a true friend and a loving family man. We will cherish the memories he created for each of us and will hold on to the love he shared.
Services for George Zimmerman were Friday, May 4, at 1 p.m. in the Holman Howe Chapel. Burial followed in the Seymour Masonic Cemetery under the direction of Holman Howe Funeral Homes, Seymour. Visitation was from 7-8 p.m. Thursday, May 3. Memorial donations may be made to the Corrine Darling memorial fund in care of Holman Howe Funeral Homes P.O. Box 366, Seymour, MO 65746.
