Donald Ray Zimmer

Donald R. Zimmer, 83, of Henderson, passed away peacefully with his children at his side Sunday, August 9, 2015. He was born March 26, 1932 to Raymond and Elizabeth Zimmer in Inglewood, California and was a 54-year resident of Las Vegas. Don served in the Army from 1953 – 1955 achieving the rank of Sergeant which set the stage for his business career that took off in 1961, when he moved his family to Las Vegas to join his father in operating Air Filter Service Company, which was founded by his father Raymond in 1955. Don acquired the company in 1968 and became a business leader in Las Vegas for many years. In 1987, he acquired Nevada Cooler Pad Company which he owned and operated until his passing. He was a leader in the filter industry for over 30 years. Through his passion for the industry he became president of the local chapter of ASHRAE in 1969-70 and became a founding member of the National Air Filtration Association where he also served as president in 1988-1989. Outside his industry, he dedicated himself as a founding member of the Las Vegas Executives Association and was proudly appointed to the State of Nevada Public Works Board in 1977 by then Governor Mike O’Callaghan.

Don was an active civic leader in the Las Vegas community having been a coach in Central Little League and a member of the J.C’s. In 1974, he served as president of Rotary which was his favorite organization involvement. He was a founding member of the Southwest Club where he served for over 30 years.

A sports fan at heart, he followed the L.A. Dodgers and the L.A. Rams. However, his number one team was his beloved UNLV Runnin’ Rebels. He was a UNLV Athletic Club booster for over 40 years and attended every Final Four.

Don's greatest love of all was his family and his friends. He was always there to support his family or lend a hand to a friend when needed. He was a beloved husband, father, grandfather and friend. If life was measured by quality and quantity he was blessed to have had both. Family and friends were fortunate to have shared it with him.

Don was preceded in death by his parents and is survived by his daughters, Stephanie Gengler, Tracy Davis, Karla (Jim) Anderson and his son Michael (Patty) Zimmer, seven grandchildren, four great-grandchildren, his sister Shirley Milam and his beloved cat Shadow.

Services will be held at Palm Eastern Mortuary, 7600 South Eastern Ave. with visitation Wednesday, August 19, 2015 from 3pm until 7pm and services on Thursday, August, 2015 20 at 2pm. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested donations be made to the American Lung Association.