Richard F Zimmerman

Loving husband, father and grandfather, Richard F. Zimmerman, Sr. departed this life on Thursday, January 29, 2015. A long-time resident of Baton Rouge, Richard was born in Enid, Oklahoma on December 15, 1930. He graduated from Enid High School where he was a star running back on the football team. He went on to college and cut his college football career short to join the U.S. Marine Corps in 1950. He was a decorated Korean War veteran having achieved the rank of sergeant. Married in 1955 to Virginia Miller, Richard graduated from Oklahoma State University in 1958 with a degree in Industrial Engineering. He worked for Shell Chemical as a project manager for 31 years with assignments in Texas, New York, Ohio, West Virginia and Louisiana. A valued employee of Shell, Richard was called out of retirement in 1993 to rebuild a Belpre, Ohio plant after a catastrophic explosion and fire. He enjoyed hunting and fishing with his son and numerous grandsons. Especially fond memories were made on annual Thanksgiving fishing trips. Over the years, Richard volunteered as a Little League Baseball coach, Sunday School teacher, CASA advocate and public school tutor. He was happiest surrounded by his family and is survived by his beloved wife of nearly 60 years, Virginia Miller Zimmerman, three loving children and spouses: Richard and Sue Zimmerman, Terry and Bob Hammonds, Natalie and Mark Goldberger, nine grandchildren: Kristi Miller, Richard Zimmerman III, Claire Jackson, Amanda Hammonds, Brad Hammonds, Greg Hammonds, Bryan Goldberger, Alison Goldberger, Justin Goldberger, and eleven great-grandchildren. Preceded in death by parents, Carl and Helen Zimmerman, and sisters Betty Hodge and Eloyce Parish. Visitation will be held Monday, February 2, at Broadmoor United Methodist Church at 10:00am, followed by religious services at 11:00am. Burial immediately following at Greenoaks Memorial Park. Memorial donations made be made to St. Judes Children’s Hospital