Howard Louis "Lou" Zimmerman

Howard Louis "Lou" Zimmerman, 70, of Indianapolis, IN, passed away on November 9, 2025, surrounded by his loving family.

Lou was born November 8, 1955 in Rushville, IN, the son of Howard Louis and Viola (Fletcher) Zimmerman.

Lou graduated from North Decatur High School in 1974, then attended Ball State University, before beginning his career in the cable industry. He retired as the Bright House Network's Area Manager for much of central Indiana in 2017.

Lou married Sylvia (Durbin) Zimmerman on August 21, 1977 at St. Mary's Catholic Church, in Rushville, IN. Her uncle, Fr. Jim Byrne officiated their ceremony. Lou and Sylvia's 48 year love story acts as a model of what a marriage can be to many who know them.

Lou grew up on Lake Santee where his summers were filled with grass mowing and water skiing. He met Sylvia the summer of 1976 when she was working as the lifeguard for the lake's beach. He traded his skis for a softball mitt when his young family moved to Irvington and he joined the Loafer men's softball team where Lou and Sylvia found their community of life long friends. Lou began attending the Indianapolis 500 race with his father in middle school and could be found in the first turn for every race since then. Lou was also an avid golfer and acted as the "commissioner" for his friends' tee times. Some of his best memories and wildest stories happened around the greens.

Lou was a member of Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church, where he served as president on the school board when his girls were students there. He then served as Board Chair in the early 2000's and is now considered a Life Member of the Board of Directors at Scecina Memorial High School. He felt that both organizations gave much to his family and always wanted to pay back the benefits received with his time, talents and treasure.

Remaining to cherish Lou's legacy are wife, Sylvia Zimmerman; daughters, Leslie (Andy) Young, Abby (Jeremiah) Doster, Sarah (Joey) Harris, Hannah (Pat) Okerson; grandchildren, Ramona and Miles Young, Kayla, Sam, and Maggie Doster, Marshall and Bonnie Harris, Pennie and Lily Okerson.

Preceding Lou in death are parents, Louis and Viola Zimmerman and sister, Peggy Earnest.

A visitation will be held Friday, November 14th from 11-1PM at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church with Mass at 1PM. Interment will follow at Flanner Buchanan - Memorial Park Cemetery. The parishioners of Our Lady of Lourdes will be hosting a Peace Meal following interment.

The family prefers that, in lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Lou's memory be directed to Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church and/or Scecina Memorial High School. Live links to donate on this site are under Lou's photo in the menu column. Envelopes will also be available at the service.