Raymond Lee Zimmerman

Raymond Lee Zimmerman, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend, passed away peacefully on August 29, 2026, at the age of 87, holding the hands of his children. Born July 19, 1939, in Milford, Indiana, Ray was the cherished son of Michael and Magdalene (Madalyn) Stieglitz Zimmerman. He was a hard-working farm boy, but didn't want to follow in the footsteps of his father and 3 older brothers. He was the first of his siblings to graduate from high school and the only one to attend college, later graduating with a degree in chemistry from Wabash College. He was recruited on campus for a job in West Virginia with Marbon Chemicals, later Borg Warner, and then General Electric as a liaison with Underwriters Laboratory. He married Diane Hill on June 16, 1962, in Parkersburg, West Virginia, and their marriage was later solemnized in the Mesa Arizona LDS Temple on July 1, 1964.

Ray loved traveling and seeing new places, working in the yard, playing with his grandchildren, and performing in plays and skits. He loved to sing to his family, and also sang in many choirs. He loved country and gospel music. He loved playing the clown, telling Dad jokes, and teasing. He enjoyed wearing silly t-shirts and "themed" Hawaiian shirts. Even while joking, he was a strong, steady, calming and supporting influence for his family.

An active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Ray served in many capacities, including as the first Bishop of the Parkersburg Ward, where he played a key role in the construction of the ward building itself. He also served on the High Council and in the Stake Presidency. He and Diane enjoyed family history research, and they served together as service missionaries in the Church and Family History Headquarters Mission in Salt Lake City, Utah. They also served in the Columbus Ohio Temple, and Ray served in the Mt. Timpanogos Utah Temple.

Ray leaves behind his wife, Diane, and their children, Molly (Brian) Larson and Joel (Amy) Zimmerman. He took pride in his seven grandchildren (Andrew, Eric, Michael, Becca, Spencer, Katie, and Asher) and four great-grandchildren (Sam, Gwen, Nora, and Lilian.) He is also survived by his siblings Mary Gerber and Michael Zimmerman, Jr. He was preceded in death by his parents, his son Daniel, and three brothers, George, Melvin, and Virgil.

In celebration of Ray's life, a viewing will be held on Thursday, September 3, 2026, from 6 to 8 PM at the Anderson & Sons Lone Peak Chapel, located at 6141 West 11000 North, Highland. Following the viewing, a funeral service on Wednesday, September 9, 2026, will honor Ray's legacy in Parkersburg, West Virginia. It will be held at the Parkersburg Ward building of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints at 2515 Capitol Drive. Interment will be in Mt. Olivet Cemetery in Parkersburg.