Our beloved husband, father, grandpa, uncle, brother and friend, Rex Leroy Zimmerman, peacefully left this earthly life on Monday, February 6, 2023 at his home in Gilbert, Arizona.
Rex was the oldest son of Henry Leroy Zimmerman and Dena Mary Otis. He was born February 16, 1941 in San Jose, California. He was a fun loving and kind hearted child who loved music, sports, nature and people from an early age. His love of sports and music led him to San Jose State University where he would meet his eternal companion, Charlene Ann Dilley. They were married on June 14, 1963 in the Los Angeles Temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He graduated from San Jose State University with a degree in Life Science and taught high school biology, coached football and baseball. When they moved to Arizona in 1969, he became a financial planner and tax consultant. He was a wonderful husband to his wife of 59 years. He was the best father to his six children, an amazing father-in-law, grandpa and great grandpa. He literally loved everybody. He had the unique ability to make everyone feel like they were the most important person. As soon as Rex met you, he loved you. His big heart and loving ways brought joy to so many throughout his 81 years. He fulfilled his church responsibilities one hundred percent, and if you were lucky enough to be home taught by him, you learned what it truly meant to be a minister. He is survived by his wife Charlene, and his six children, Lisa (Mitchell) Wilson, Brian (Jennifer) Zimmerman, Amy (Shawn) Peterson, Julie (Steve) Shepherd, David (Shelly) Zimmerman, and Eric (Michelle) Zimmerman. He has 36 grandchildren and 23 great-grandchildren, with 3 more on the way. Rex is also survived by his brothers Ron (Linda) Zimmerman and Don (Susan) Zimmerman, and several nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents Leroy and Dena Zimmerman, and great-grandson Logan Barry. “On To The Celestial Kingdom Together!” We love you Dad! Services will be Saturday, February 11, 2023 at the Higley Stake Center, 1865 S. Higley Road, Gilbert, AZ 85295 at 11:00am. There will be a visitation starting at 9:00am. He will be laid to rest at Gilbert Memorial Gardens. There is also a YouTube link to view the services. https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2N257T1Y5AuOWVYYs5GJyQ
Arrangements by Bunker’s Garden Chapel, www.bunkerfuneral.com. Should this obituary appear anywhere but bunkerfuneral.com, please check our website for accurate details and service information.
He will be missed ny all thanks for the info
Love all
Mr. Zimmerman was a wonderful and supportive dad when I taught Julie and David many years ago. I thought the world of him. Sending my love to the family.
We feel privileged to have known Rex. He always had a smile on his face at church, even when we know he did not feel well. We send our love and prayers of comfort to the entire family.
So very sorry for your loss. I am sure your wonderful memories will sustain you all through this difficult time. I wish you strength and courage. God bless you. Donna Scharpen
Our heartfelt condolences at the loss of your father and grandfather. A gentle hug to your mom and each of you.
Dear Charlene,I am so sorry for the loss of your dear Rex. I had reason to be thinking of you both on the sixth, perhaps that’s why. I pray for your comfort and his sweet memories to fill your heart, and bare your burden until you see him again. All my love, Juanita.
We are so sorry to hear for your loss. Please know we have been thinking and praying for you all.
John and Mila Linton
Our hearts go out to you in your loss. What a great man your father and grandfather is! We will be keeping you in our hearts and in our prayers at this time. We will pray for healing and eternal understanding, along with all the tender mercies and miracles you need. We love you so much.
Amy, our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Sorry for the loss of your dad. May the knowledge of Our Heavenly Father plan give peace and comfort you. ❤️🙏❤️
With heartfelt condolences to the Zimmerman Family. How very grand to know one day you be together again eternally through our Heavenly Father plan.
Dear Charlene, Lisa, Brian, Amy, Julie, David, and Eric and all your families– We love you all so very much and are incredibly grateful for the eternal influence “Brother Z” has had on the Stephen and Carolei Phelps Family since the time we moved into White Fence Farms in 1980. He takes a huge piece of each of our hearts with him into the spirit world, and we hope he knows how we love him and treasure the friendship we’ve shared for 43 years. He always made me feel so loved and valued. He never missed a chance to tease me about the time I left waxed paper on the top of the cake I made for a ward choir treat when I was about 14. 😂 To this day I can’t see waxed paper without thinking of him and laughing at his teasing smile. How I love him, and all of you with all my heart, and I know I speak for my parents, too, when I say that Rex Zimmerman is one of the best men there could ever be on this earth.
Charlene. Our guys are roommates once again. What a great gift Rex gave me when he introduced me to Haven. His roomie. May God be with you as you enter this chapter of your life. May your memories be a comfort. I think of you and Rex often.
Dearest Zimmerman Family-Thank you for letting us be an early part of your family and for being the wonderful people you all are. Brother Zimmerman was a vivid, vital part of 26th Ward and your family was one we all looked up to. David worked at Gilbert Elementary with Janie, Sister Zimmerman was my primary teacher, and your family has helped so many people through the years. We love you all and send prayers and hugs your way. God bless you at this time.
Rex, you were truly a meaningful presence in my life. From my childhood (early 1960’s) until now (2023) you, Char & family have been so cherished in my heart. Thankful for You & love you truly.