Chuck Zimmerman

(From Parker Mortuary)

Charles Jay “Chuck” Zimmerman, age 92, Joplin, passed away on Saturday, July 8, 2023 at a local nursing center.

Chuck was born June 11, 1931 in Wichita, KS, son of the late D. L. Zimmerman and Bernice M. (Skogman) Zimmerman. He grew up in Wichita and attended Wentworth Military Academy before graduating from Wichita High School East. He also attended Kansas State University in Manhattan, KS. He then served in the United States Army in the Military District of Washington and the Kansas National Guard before he was honorably discharged. 

After his military service he began his career as a railroad inspector working for Sperry Rail Service. He did this for years and at many locations, mainly working in South America. He was also a certified electrician and was Vice President of Zimmerman Electric Machinery Company of Wichita. He was very involved with the Masonic Lodge #99 AF & AM in the Wichita Consistory where he was a Master Mason. He was a member of the Wichita York Rite Bodies, and the Abou Ben Adhem Shriners since 1952. He was a lifetime member of the Joplin Elks Lodge, #501, the NRA since 1951, and the American Legion. 

He was an avid fly fisherman and a 35-year member of the Federation of Fly Fishermen Southern Council. He became very proficient at tying his own flies and received several requests for his flies. He was the founding member of the Joplin MAKO Fly Fishers. He was also an ASA Certified Sailor and avid gunsmith.

He married Jeanette Whitcomb, and later Norma Jean Riley and was divorced. In addition to his parents, Chuck was preceded in death by a daughter, Tonie Maria.

Survivors include several family members including his son, Charles Zimmerman, Jr., daughter, Tracie Kay; six grandchildren, and numerous great and great-great grandchildren; his nephew, Mike McEvoy and wife Sally of Topeka, KS; several great-nieces and nephews including, Anneleise of Dallas, TX, and Izzy of Palm Beach, FL.

A graveside service will be held on Wednesday, July 12, 2023 at 2:00 p.m. in Ozark Memorial Park Cemetery with full Masonic Services.

Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Parker Mortuary.