Benjamin Zimmerman

Benjamin Zimmerman, 83, of Mansfield, went to be with the Lord Saturday, April 11, 2009 at North Central Ohio Hospice in Ashland with his wife Martha at his side. Born September 26, 1926 in Mansfield, he was the son of Herbert and Clara Gleason Zimmerman. Ben graduated from Mansfield Senior High School and Chicago Technical College. He served in the U.S. Navy in WWII and was a Seaman First Class on the U.S.S. Bataan. Ben received numerous medals while serving his country, including the American Area, Victory WWII, Asiatic-Pacific Area and Star, and Philippine Liberation. He retired as a builder and developer in the Mansfield and Ontario areas and was past president of the Mansfield Home Builders Association. He was also the past owner and founder of Zimmerman's Family Sales. Ben was a teacher and long-time Sunday School Superintendant at the Apostolic Christian Church on Middle Bellville Rd. He was a member of Ontario Christian Fellowship. Ben was also a past president and long-time member of the Ontario High School Booster's Club. He held reserved seats at the Copeland Stadium for 33 years. Ben and his wife, Martha centered their lives on the Lord and their church and their family, never missing the sporting and musical events of their children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Martha Katherine Kinkel Zimmerman; son, Dr. Larry Suzanne Zimmerman of Mansfield; daughters, Marylou Bob Schmidt of Columbus, and Debby Brad Moore of Mansfield; grandchildren, Dr. Brian Heidi Zimmerman, Holly Anthony Simpson, Jennifer Mike Garter, Sarah Steve Meyer, Maggie Chris Lay, Bob Michelle Schmidt, Jr., Katie Moore, Angie Tony Blank, Brad Megan Moore, Jr., and Hannah Moore; great-grandchildren, Samuel, Benjamin, and Shelby Zimmerman, Haley, Emma, and Jake Simpson, Anderson and Miles Benjamin Meyer, Spencer and Cameron Lay, Joshua Moore-Snyder, and Anthony Blank, Jr.; brothers, Noel Darlene Zimmerman of Mansfield, Marty Evelyn Zimmerman of Wooster, and Herbert Kay Zimmerman, Jr. of Ashland; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Garland Zimmerman; sister, Imogene Kelly; stepmother, Byrl Zimmerman; and nephew, Jimmy Lee Kelly.

Friends may call from 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, April 15, 2009 at the Ontario Home of Wappner Funeral Directors, 100 S. Lexington Springmill Rd. Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Thursday at Ontario Christian Fellowship, 636 Lexington-Springmill Rd., Mansfield conducted by Jim Haring. Military graveside services conducted by the Richland County Joint Veteran's Burial Detail will follow in Mansfield Cemetery. Memorial Contributions may be made to the Ontario Christian Fellowship Camp Fund or Hospice of North Central Ohio.