Donald Elmer Zimmer

Donald Elmer Zimmer, D.Min., Lt. Col. (Ret.) Don Zimmer, of Port Tobacco, MD, departed this earthly life December 11, 2024. He was born on September 19, 1938, in Milan, Indiana, to Elmer D. & Augusta M. (Borgman) Zimmer. Raised in Lawrenceburg, IN, he graduated from Lawrenceburg High School in 1956, and the University of Cincinnati in 1962, where he was a member of the Delta Tau Delta fraternity. Upon graduation, he married Sharon (Sherie) Cannon on September 15, 1962, who he remained married to for 62 years. Following his marriage, he was commissioned in the United States Air Force. Following a 23 year career in the Air Force, Don and his family retired in Port Tobacco, MD. While in the Air Force, he received his Masters Degree from the University of Oklahoma. In 2007, at the age of 69, he received his Doctor of Ministry from the United Theological Seminary, Dayton, Ohio. His research was the basis for his book Leadership and Listening: Spiritual Foundations for Church Governance, published in 2011. After his retirement from the USAF, he had two subsequent careers: first in the private sector, and then as a professional church worker with the Southeastern District of the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod, where he was awarded both the Servant of Christ Award for work with Lutheran Schools in the New York District, and as Educator of the Year from the Lutheran Schools Association. Don and Sherie became certified life planners, and spent the next several decades working with people to explore finding and pursuing their calling. During that time, he became a Spiritual Director, a role he held until his death. Always a talented artist, Don spent the last decade focused on capturing the early history of Port Tobacco through research and paintings, which he discussed in talks around Southern Maryland. He was an avid historian, storyteller, craftsman, humanitarian, environmental advocate, devoted friend, mentor, family man and pet dad. Don worked closely with Gary Fick of the Blue Dog Saloon in countless activities to aid underserved individuals and communities in Charles County. More recently, he served on the both the Charles County Ethics Commission and the Charles County Interfaith Commission, and he accompanied Sherie in her work with the Port Tobacco River Conservancy. Survived by his wife of 62 years, Sharon L. (Cannon) Zimmer, children Andrea Proctor (Randy Davis) of La Plata, MD, Melissa Pfau of Falls Church, VA, and Jeff Zimmer (Mark Kydd) of Edinburgh, Scotland; grandson Robert “Corey” Proctor II (Nicole Taube) of Durham, NC, and sister JoAnn Bermudez (Reyes, deceased) of Henderson, NV, in addition to step-grandson Ryan Davis. A celebration of Don’s life will be held at Peace Lutheran Church, 401 Smallwood Dr, Waldorf, MD 20602, on Saturday, December 28, at 11am, visitation starting at 10am. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Don’s honor to: • Elsie’s Pantry: https://www.myplc.org/food-ministry; or • Reflecting on Don’s interests and legacy, a charity of your choice. Don’s paintings can be viewed on his website: www.LivingOurCall.org

Donald Elmer Zimmer

September 19, 1938 - December 11, 2024