Robert Earl Zimmerman

Robert “Bob” Zimmerman, 97, of Uvalde, Texas, passed away peacefully, leaving behind a legacy of faith, family, music, and service. Born in 1928 in Delaware, Ohio, to William O. and Mary Humes Zimmerman, he was raised on a farm in northeast Ohio and graduated from Greenford High School in 1946.

Bob served in the United States Navy beginning in 1950 and was stationed at Naval Air Station Corpus Christi, where he met Shirley Hicks at First United Methodist Church. They married in 1956 and shared 70 years of devoted life together. Bob earned his Bachelor of Business Administration from The University of Texas in 1957 and went on to a long career with CP&L (now AEP), in Corpus Christi, Bay City and Uvalde, retiring in 1988.

After retirement, Bob dedicated himself to serving others, volunteering with Uvalde Hospice for 13 years. He was known for delivering flowers, sitting with patients, and sharing his gift of song. A lifelong lover of music, Bob sang barbershop for many years and especially cherished performing in a quartet with two of his sons. He was also active in the Uvalde Area Community Theater and performed at the Uvalde Grand Opera House.Bob was a devoted member of first United Methodist Church,Uvalde as well as Uvalde Methodist Church.

Bob was a man who never met a stranger—only friends he hadn’t yet come to know. Genuinely curious about everyone he encountered, he had a remarkable way of making people feel seen, heard, and valued. He greeted people with a warm, genuine handshake that reflected the kindness in his heart. His generosity knew no bounds, whether through his time, his kindness, or his quiet acts of giving. He approached life with a joyful spirit and an open heart, embracing each day and every person in it with warmth and enthusiasm. His love for life and for others leaves behind a legacy that will be deeply felt and fondly remembered by all who have had the privilege of knowing him.

He is survived by his wife, Shirley; his sons, Darrell (Lory), Brian (Laurie), and Barry (Renee); eight grandchildren-Ben (Samantha), Kaitlyn (Dave), Storey, Shelby (Thomas), Connor, Grant, Blake, and Kendall—and six great-grandchildren: Sawyer, Isla, Preston, Cora, Halle, and Grayson; his brother Don (Pat) of Columbiana, Ohio; his sister Pauline Barber of North Lima, Ohio; and his sister-in-law Bev Evans of San Antonio. He was preceded in death by his parents; his brother William; his sister Virginia; and several brothers- and sisters-in-law.

Bob once shared: “I give God thanks every day for blessing us with a beautiful family that has given me more love and pleasure than any person should receive. Hopefully, I have left things a little better than I found them, and made a friend as well as many loved ones.” Those who knew him would agree that he did.

Memorial service Friday, April 17th,  at 11 am at Methodist Church with a gathering on Thursday, April 16, from 6 to 9 pm at Rushing-Estes-Knowles Mortuary.

In lieu of flowers, donations are appreciated to Uvalde Hospice or Kate Marmion Rides to Radiation.