Frank & Bright Funeral Home

Charlie Zimmerman

Mar 31st, 1946 - Nov 17th, 2023

     Charles J. Zimmerman, age 77, of Louisville, Illinois, passed away Friday afternoon, November 17, 2023, at Deaconess Gateway Hospital in Newburgh, Indiana.

     Charlie was born March 31, 1946, in Xenia, the son of Charles Clifford “Cliff” and Freida (Colclasure) Zimmerman.  He married Jean Kennett on October 23, 1970, in Flora, and together they shared 47 years of marriage prior to her passing away on September 26, 2018.

     Charlie served in the U.S. Air Force during Vietnam as a helicopter mechanic.  He had been a driver for Cargill, and his exceptional record of one million accident-free and ticket-free miles earned him the honor of having a day in Flora named after him – "Charlie Zimmerman Day."  He later worked in managing and dispatch at McDaniel Transit.  He was a member of the Flora American Legion and lifetime member of the Flora VFW.  In the past he had been known as an avid pool player, a laid-back fisherman, and how he really liked cars, particularly the fastest ones.  Charlie will always be remembered as a great friend to many, even including the companionship of his canine pals, Bobbi Lynn and Zipper.

     He is survived by his 3 siblings, Carl Zimmerman and wife Dana, Trudy Stanford and husband Rick, and Nancy Mink and husband Steve; several nephews and nieces; a sister-in-law, Sheila Mattox and husband Roy; and special friend, Vickie Hill.

     Charlie and Jean were preceded in passing by their cherished son, Charles Jacob “Jake” Zimmerman in 1993.  Charlie is also preceded in passing by his parents and a sister, Shirley Eaton and her husband Neil.

     A graveside ceremony will begin at 11 a.m. Wednesday, November 22, 2023, at Golden Cemetery, rural Louisville, with Gene McAllister officiating.  Military funeral honors will be presented.  Arrangements are by Frank & Bright Funeral Home in Flora.  Memorial donations are suggested to either the Flora American Legion Post 14 or Flora VFW Post 3999.  To share a condolence or memory, visit: www.frankandbright.com