Robert James “Bob” Zimmerman, longtime Ashland resident, passed away Sunday, March 31, 2019 at The Lantern at Morning Pointe. He was 95. Bob was born June 26, 1923 in Cumberland, Wisconsin, one of five children born to the late Robert and Viola Terry Zimmerman. In addition to his parents Bob was also preceded in death by his wife of 54 years Bernice Wilson Zimmerman, a son Mike Zimmerman, cousin and foster brother Jim Stone, three sisters and a brother.
Bob was raised by his Uncle and Aunt M.R. and Lillian Stone. He grew up in the Spring Valley area of Huntington, WV. Bob attended Buffalo High School in Wayne County, WV and Westerville High School in Westerville, OH. Like many other young men of the time he entered into World War II and served in the European Theater with the U.S. Army and received the Purple Heart for wounds received in the Battle of the Bulge.
He settled in Ashland to raise his family and was employed with Armco Steel Company. He worked as a foreman in the Blast Furnace and retired with 30 years of service. He served in many community organizations including the Optimist Club, the Cub Scouts and Scout Master of Armco Troop #114, was active in the seniors programs and attended both Unity Baptist Church, First Baptist Church and was known as the “candy man” as he always had a piece of candy to share. He loved gardening and sharing his produce with friends and neighbors, playing golf, watching sports, card games, bird watching and bowling. Bob always had a smile. He was a genuine kind and good person, he will be deeply missed.
Survivors include his son Robert Lee Zimmerman of Ashland, sister-in-law Bernadine Rogers of Delaware, Ohio, nephews Calvin Zimmerman, Jr., Jim Bailey and several other family members and good friends.
The family would like to thank the staff of The Lantern at Morning Pointe for the exceptional care, love and support provided to Bob during these past few years.
Funeral services will be held 1:00pm Thursday, April 4, 2019 at the Steen Funeral Home Central Avenue Chapel by Paul Badgett. Visitation will be from 12:00 Noon till service time at 1:00 Thursday at the funeral home. Burial with military honors will be in the Bellefonte Memorial Gardens in Flatwoods.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests considering a donation to Oneida Baptist Institute, P.O. Box 67, Oneida, KY 40972-0067.
Online condolence to www.steenfuneralhome.com
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