Robert "Zeke" Zimmerman

Robert Ray Zimmerman
August 27, 1942 – February 7, 2025
Robert Ray Zimmerman, 82, of Douglass, Kansas, passed away on Friday, February 7, 2025. He was born on August 27, 1942, to Robert and Wilma Zimmerman in El Dorado, Kansas. Robert grew up in Douglass, Kansas, and graduated from Douglass High School in 1960. He began working the pipeline at the age of 19, and in June 1963, he met his future wife, Letha. They married on December 7, 1963, in Coyville, Kansas. In 1965, their son Brian was born, followed by their second son, Richard, in 1969.
In 1966, Robert built his home by hand on Maple Street in Douglass, Kansas. During this time, he worked at Beech Aircraft from 1963 to 1970. Robert spent many years working in the construction industry, building houses until he was hired at Boeing in 1979, where he worked for 25 years before retiring.
Robert cherished a variety of hobbies. He loved watching and coaching his kids and grandkids in wrestling. He made a point to hunt deer every year at the farm. He also had a deep love for classic Mustangs, restoring several over the years, including a 1965 Mustang Convertible, a 1966 Mustang Coupe, and a 1966 Mustang Fastback. He and his wife shared this passion, spending countless hours taking their Mustangs to car shows and embarking on long-haul trips such as Cruise the Coast, Mustangs Across America, and the Hot Rod Power Tour.
Bowling was another favorite pastime, as well as spending weekends at the lake with his family. Robert even took up the exciting hobby of owning and flying planes. He also enjoyed playing pitch, a card game he loved sharing with family and friends. Beyond his hobbies, Robert was deeply involved in his community, serving two years on the city council and school board for 14 years. But above all, he cherished every moment spent with his family.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Wilma Zimmerman and survived by his loving wife, Letha Zimmerman; sons Brian (Teria) Zimmerman of Douglass, Kansas, and Richard (Phyllis) Zimmerman of Douglass, Kansas; and grandchildren Jamie Zimmerman of Andover, Kansas, Robert Zimmerman of Douglass, Kansas, Trent Zimmerman of Clearwater, Kansas, and Tegan Zimmerman of Clearwater, Kansas; and five great grandkids.
Visitation will be held on Friday, February 14, 2025, from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Smith Family Mortuary, 1415 North Rock Road, Derby, Kansas. A graveside service will be held on Saturday, February 15, 2025, at 11:00 AM at Douglass Cemetery, 1400 East 8th Street, Douglass, Kansas. After the burial, the family invites everyone to the Douglass Senior Center for lunch.