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Celebrating the life of Roger Lee Zimmerman
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Obituary for Roger Lee Zimmerman
After a seven month struggle with health issues, Roger Lee Zimmerman stepped into eternity into the waiting arms of his loving Savior, Jesus. Roger was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He loved unconditionally, and was a loyal friend, influencer, and supporter of many. He was preceded in death by his parents, Arlen and Mildred, one sister, Emogene (Buerge), and his son Scott.
Roger was born to Arlen and Mildred Zimmerman in the farming community of Wauseon, Ohio on May 27, 1938. He had 3 sisters, Emogene, Carolyn, and Marilyn, with which he grew up. After graduating from Pettisville High School, Roger attended one semester at Goshen College in Indiana. Roger decided the farm life was not the direction he wanted to make a living in and started as a food supply representative for a food company in Michigan. It was about this time he met a young church pianist by the name of Ethelyn Beres. They fell in love and started what would ultimately be a 60 year marriage together. Roger and Ethelyn had 2 children, Scott and LeAnne. LeAnne married Joe E. Cargile, and together they provided Roger with 3 grandsons who would keep him busy. Braxton, Barak, and Brayden all benefited sports-wise from their grandfather, as he was an avid athlete in bowling, basketball, baseball, and softball. Braxton recently provided Roger with a great-grandson, Jackson Andrew.
Roger worked his whole career in the food service industry, rising to be the CEO of Cochran-Sysco at one point. During his food service career, he crisscrossed the country, living in Michigan, Oregon, Louisiana, and ultimately settling in Mississippi. Towards the end of his career, he formed his own food service company, Food Management Solutions (FMS), which had many family members and close personal friends in its employ.
Roger was a strong Christian and follower of Jesus Christ. It didn’t matter what the deal was, if Christ was not involved with it as a central supporting theme, it was a no-go for him. Those who had the opportunity to work with Roger in food service, sports, and other various projects have all experienced the radiating presence of Jesus as a central emphasis above all other parts of his life. Jesus Christ was the most important consideration in all that Roger did in this life, from his own personal life dealings, to his business associates, and to his family. The God of angel armies was his personal support system, one he witnessed for and advocated for, good days and bad, for the major portion of his life. Roger was an active member in all the churches he was a member of, most recently serving as a deacon and on various committees at Liberty Baptist Church.
And so it was, on Saturday, March 5, 2022, the call from the hospital went out, loved ones assembled, and surrounded Roger’s bed one last time. Thanks were extended, tears were shed, promises were made to see each other in Heaven again. Then, he closed his eyes, drew his last breath on this earth, and entered into the joy of his master’s presence.
A service celebrating the life of Roger Zimmerman will be held on Saturday, March 12, 2022, at 3:00 PM at Liberty Baptist Church.