Francis Cleo Zimmerman

Francis Cleo Zimmerman, 97, passed away March 26, 2025. He was born at home in Worth County, Missouri to Francis Cleveland and Amy Blanche (Meredith) Zimmerman on April 15, 1927. He married Anita Colleen Hammack at the First Christian Church in Ridgeway, MO, December 24, 1950. To this union five daughters were born.
Cleo was a farmer at heart, having grown up on the farm and helping his father. He later purchased the farm from his father and went into business for himself. He raised his family on this farm located northeast of Bethany, MO. He was also employed by the United States Postal Service in 1960. He worked as a walking letter carrier and retired after 18 years of service. In retirement, he drove a school bus for the South Harrison School District.
He was particularly proud of his service to his country in the United States Army. He entered active service in January 1951 and was sent to Camp Carson for training. After completing Basic training and AIT (Advanced Individual Training) he was assigned to the 973rd Construction Engineer Battalion, Company C and was sent to participate in Operation Pinetree II in 1952. His unit was sent to St. Anthony, Newfoundland and Frobisher Bay, Nunavet, Canada being involved in clearing land and building roads to prepare for the construction of radar sites in support of NORAD. His unit completed operations in October 1952. Cleo was honorably discharged from the Army November 5, 1952. Upon returning home, he enlisted in the local Army Reserve unit in Bethany, MO. He served 7 years in the reserves and attained the rank of Sergeant First Class.
Cleo was preceded in death by his wife of 67 years, Anita Zimmerman, his parents, Francis and Amy Zimmerman, his sisters: Pauline Danner, Vivian Hackett, and Eleanor Henry; his brothers-in-law, two nephews and one niece. Survivors include his five daughters: Karen Combs, Sharon Douthat, Loretta Kay James, Mary (Eldon) Wulf, and Barbara (Robert) Scheidegger; 11 grandchildren: Charice, Amanda, Aaron, Adam, Adrian, Nicholas, Cory, Cody, Montana, Cassandra, and Connor; 13 great-grandchildren: Eliah, Daniel, Joel, Greyson, Lettie, Mollie, William, Slate, Aspen, Amory, Aycen, Maya, Ethan.
Services will be held at Bethany Memorial Chapel on Wednesday, April 2, 2025 at 2:00 p.m. Family will receive friends from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the funeral home. Graveside services with Military Honors will be at the Miriam Cemetery, Bethany.
Memorial gifts may be made to the American Legion or Miriam Cemetery in care of the funeral home. Tributes may be left at www.bethanymemorialchapel.com.
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