Monroe Dispatch - No Struggle, No Progress

Hearts were saddened upon the hearing of the passing of "One of our Best," Don Zimmerman. Many are still hurting still. Don was born on November 22, 1949 to the late Ola M. Zimmerman and the late Richard D. Wilson in Monroe, Louisiana. Don was a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, brother-in-law, uncle, mentor, neighbor, and friend. He was fondly known by those closest to him as Zimmie, Daddy, Daddy Z, Uncle Don, and Coach Z. Don was married to the love of his life, Glenda Williams on June 29, 1974, for nearly 46 years. To this union two daughters were born, Dawn Nicole and Deidra Marie, whom he adored.

A proud alumnus of Richwood High School Class of 1967, Don was an excellent student and athlete. He excelled in the classroom as well as on the football field, basketball court, and the track. He went on to begin his college career at Arkansas Pine Bluff, playing football there for two years before transferring to Northeast Louisiana University (NLU now ULM). Don was one of the first black players at NLU, and he was also a leading wide receiver during the 1970 season. Don earned his Bachelor of Science Degree in Education, a Masters +30 in Administration and Supervision, and a Certification in Special Education from NLU. He was drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles in the 12th round of the 1972 NFL draft. He played 4 years for the Eagles, splitting his final season between the Eagles and the Green Bay Packers. He retired in 1976.

After leaving the NFL, Don trained and mentored hundreds of individuals. He began his teaching career at Swartz Elementary, leaving there to teach at LTI for nearly 20 years. He completed his career teaching Physical Education and coaching football and basketball at Martin Luther King Jr. Middle School in the Monroe City School System before retiring in 2008. After retiring from teaching, he worked part-time at Johnson Recreation Center where he continued to mentor youth in the community. Don was a father figure and a big brother to many. He was an humble man full of wisdom and knowledge and willingly shared with those who sought to learn. He recognized potential and encouraged individuals to develop the gifts they possessed inside. He was a very knowledgeable and skilled man with a strong quiet presence, yet always remained humble. In his spare time, he enjoyed playing tennis with friends and participating in an organized softball league. He also served as a tennis instructor for individuals of all ages. Although he had no biological sons, Don coached and trained his daughters, fondly called Nikki and Dee Dee, to be two of the best all-around athletes in the community. Whether coaching from the bench, the stands, or in the driveway, he always encouraged and motivated them to be their very best.

After fully retiring, Don enjoyed reading and spending quality time with his family, especially his 2 grandsons, Jaxon and Skyland. One of the highlights of his day was picking them up after school and taking them wherever they asked to go with Daddy Z. He always trained and coached them so that they would become the model young men and athletes he knew they could be. He fondly nicknamed them "Two" and "Three" because they are the second and third males born into his family. He would always say, "it's Two, Three, and Daddy Z." He also shared a very close relationship with his 2 sons-in-law, Jason Stewart and Lewey Mims, Jr.

He departed this life on May 11, 2020. He was preceded in death by his parents, one brother, Donald Wilson, and one sister, Linda Faye Wilson. His presence will be deeply missed by all he touched.

Don Zimmerman

Don is survived by his wife, Glenda, daughters Dawn Zimmerman Stewart (Jason), Monroe, LA and Deidra Zimmerman Mims (Lewey, Jr.), Monroe, LA; 9 brothers, Dale Zimmerman, Sr. (Addie), Monroe, LA, Robert Zimmerman (Nettie), Monroe, LA, Ronald Wilson (Erlene), Pontiac, MI, Larry Wilson, Monroe, LA, Aubrey Wilson (Sandra), Monroe, LA, Reginald "Charles" Wilson, Monroe, LA, Ricky Wilson, Monroe, LA, Ralph Wilson(Sharon), Tracy, CA, and Vincent Wilson, Dallas, TX; a sister, Patricia Charles (Roland), Monroe, LA; special cousin George Potter, in-laws, Harrington and Darlene Watson, Monroe, LA, and Vincent and Saundra Cox, Katy, TX; adopted sons, Herdurius Scott, George Belton,II, Gary Jesse, Jr., and Michael Bynum; two Godchildren, Gabriella Wiley and DeAndre Wiley, and a host of special nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. Funeral services were Tuesday May 19, 2020 at Church of Christ Parkview Dr. Monroe LA.

Photo Don Zimmerman