Lt. Col. Leon Zimmer

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.