Lt. Col. Leon Zimmer

Lt. Col. Leon Zimmer obituary, Clearwater, FL

Lt. Col. Leon Zimmer

Leon Zimmer Obituary

Published by Tampa Bay Times on Aug. 19, 2010.
ZIMMER, Leon "Bud" Lt. Col. (Ret.) died after a long battle with thymoma cancer on Aug. 15, 2010 at age 80 in his home in Clearwater. Born in Vandling, PA, on May 14, 1930, he graduated from Forest City High School, PA, class of 1947. Zimmer enlisted in the Pennsylvania National Guard on March 22, 1948, served two years, and earned the rank of Sergeant. He won an appointment to the United States Military Academy at West Point, NY, through competitive examinations given by the National Guard. Zimmer graduated from West Point in 1953 with a B.S. in Electrical Engineering and was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the Regular Army. He earned an M.S. in Electrical Engineering from Northeastern University and taught Electrical Engineering at West Point from 1963-1966. Zimmer married Mari Jane Burt of Oakwood, OH, while on rest and recuperation during his tour in Vietnam in 1967. He served 21 years as an Army officer and achieved the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. In 1974, Zimmer retired from the U.S. Army and resided with his family in Clearwater. He was a leading advocate for the fundamental schools in Pinellas County. He was responsible for helping to establish fundamental elementary and middle schools in the district and the first fundamental high school, Osceola Fundamental. He played an active role in the Gifted Association of Pinellas County. Zimmer volunteered with The Boy Scouts of America for over 2 decades, including serving as a Commissioner. He also volunteered as a liaison officer and interviewed potential West Point candidates in West Central Florida. Zimmer taught students about electricity as a volunteer guest teacher in the public school system. He served several years in the International Rotary Club, becoming a Paul Harris Fellow. His hobbies included hunting, fishing, officiating soccer, and enjoying his children and grandchildren. Zimmer is survived by wife of 43 years, Mari Jane Zimmer. He was predeceased by daughter, Virginia Lee; survived by daughters Kimanne, Melissa Pierce (husband, Greg Pierce) and son, Major Jonathan Zimmer (wife, Julie (Wolfe) Zimmer) and 5 grandchildren, Alan Erb, Gregory and Marah Pierce, Jonah and Jesse Zimmer. Zimmer is survived by his 5 sisters, Rita Johnston (McLean, VA), Romayne Canalizo (Tafton, PA), Eve Martin (Orleans, MA), Margaret Tanner (Lawrenceville, PA), Mary Kay Logan (Greentown, PA); and brother, Stanley Zimmer (Canadensis, PA). The memorial service will be held at 4 pm Friday, Aug. 20th at Heritage United Methodist Church in Clearwater, FL. Visit www.veteransfuneralcare.com to sign the family registry. Donation information can also be found on the website.

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August 22, 2010

Someone posted to the memorial.

August 21, 2010

Royal Kramer posted to the memorial.

August 20, 2010

Tonya Nease posted to the memorial.

August 22, 2010

We are so sorry to hear about Bud's passing - our heartfelt sympathy and prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time!
Bill & Kris Gray

Royal Kramer

August 21, 2010

Dear Jane and Family,
I was so sorry to hear of Bud's passing. Our relationship goes back to the late 1950's when we served in the 447th Signal Battalion in Pirmasens, Germany. After moving to Mechanicsburg, Pa. seven years ago, I was thrilled when he would stop off here every year enroute to his family in the Pocono Mts. of Pa. He couldn't stay very long but just long enough to have lunch and to reminisce about our Army days from those bygone years. I will always cherish those moments that we had together.
May the Lord's presence be ever near and dear to each of you at you go through this difficult time of bereavement.

Tonya Nease

August 20, 2010

My heart is with Jane, Melissa, Jon and their families during this very difficult time. Bud was always so nice to my family and enjoyed talking about educational and academic opportunities within the school system. Thank you for all the wonderful dinners and sweet memories in the Zimmer home. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you.

Stephen Hartnett

August 19, 2010

LtCol. "Bud" Zimmer USA, Ret. was a long time member of MOAA and supporter of youth education and leasdership development. He will be missed by all that knew him.
Semper Fidelis!
Maj. Skip Hartnett USMC, Ret.
AVP, West Central FL Region, MOAA

Sue Morse

August 19, 2010

"Bud", as a member of MOAA's Clearwater Chapter, will be sorely missed. He was all about our youth and on several occasions went with us to present MOAA Achievement Medals and Certificates to the highest achievers of the JROTC program at Clearwater High School.
Clearwater Chapter MOAA sends their deepest condolences.

Bill Stitt

August 19, 2010

I am saddened by Bud's passing. He was a very dedicated person in all that he engaged in including the Boy Scouts of America program. l will certainly miss him.

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August 22, 2010

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August 21, 2010

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August 20, 2010

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