Edward Zimmerman, Iii
March 18, 1943 — July 14, 2013
Master Chief Petty Officer Edward Earl Zimmerman III, a resident of San Antonio, Texas passed away peacefully at the age of 70 at home on Sunday, July 14, 2013. He was surrounded by his family and in the caring hands of Hospice. Born in Riverside, California on March 18, 1943, he was the oldest of 7 children. In 1961 he enlisted in the U.S. Navy, serving his country proudly for 22 years. Master Chief Zimmerman had an extremely diversified military background, ranging from working in Navy hospitals, dispensaries, Naval air stations, mobile construction battalions, and duty with the Marine Corps. He was attached to units in the United States as well as Scotland, Taiwan, Okinawa, and Vietnam. Ed served in Vietnam from 1967 to 1968 as a Navy Hospital Corpsman, and again in 1975, participating in the mass evacuation of individuals from the DAS compound in Saigon. During his naval career, Ed earned over 14 medals including the Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry, Combat Action Ribbon, and the Navy Commendation Medal. He retired from the Navy to San Antonio, Texas and worked civil service for the Department of the Air Force, retiring again after 23 years. Ed is preceded in death by his mother Beverly Ward Zimmerman, father Retired Lieutenant Colonel US Army Edward E. Zimmerman Jr, and favorite loyal companion, his dog Charlie Brown. He is survived by his devoted wife of 50 years, Sally Ann Teter Zimmerman, and siblings Jackie, Midge, Sharon, Jon, Wendy, and Robin. Ed was the proud father of daughter Stephanie and husband Gordon, son Edward and wife Loretta, and son Robert Zimmerman. Ed leaves behind 13 grandchildren, 8 great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and his pet Shiloh. Ed loved traveling the world with his loving wife and best friend. He served on board many ships during his tenure with the US Navy and that remained a lifelong passion of his. Together, with his wife, he sailed on over 20 cruise ships from 1993 to 2013. In 2004, Ed opened a travel agency, EZ Cruises, in LaVernia, TX in order to share his love and vast knowledge of traveling with others. In addition to voyaging around the world, Ed loved RVing around the country. Ed lived a rich and fulfilling life that contained many interests and hobbies. He was a member of the LaVernia Historical Association and the Lavernia Chamber of Commerce. He was an avid reader, historian, gamer, master craftsman, football fan, teacher, and world explorer. He was a very honest and loving individual who lived everyday by the motto It is not what you do, but how you do it. He will be dearly missed and always remembered. A service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, July 20, 2013 at Schertz Funeral Home at 2217 FM 3009, Schertz TX 78154. Phone: 210-658-9224. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Wounded Warriors Project, 2672 Silicon Drive, Ste 105, San Antonio, Texas 78249. Phone: 210-569-0300.
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