Ronald Fredrick Zimmerman

Ronald Fredrick Zimmerman, age 79, of Las Vegas, Nevada passed away on Monday, August 18, 2025.  Ron was born May 6, 1946 in Pacific Grove, California to parents Robert Frank and Marjorie Zimmerman. They moved to Las Vegas in the early 50’s. He attended Las Vegas High School and graduated in 1965.

In January 1966, Ron was inducted in the United States Army. On April 15, 1967, his heroic actions would be etched into history. Amidst intense enemy fire, Ron bravely ran through the battlefield to save the lives of his fellow soldiers. For his extraordinary gallantry in action, he was awarded the Silver Star—the nation’s third-highest military decoration for valor.  U.S. Military Service: 18 January 1966 - 25 November 1967.

Sgt. Ronald “Zeke” Zimmerman E5 US Army A Company - 2nd Battalion 60th Infantry Division - 9th Infantry Division, Silver Star Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Army Good Conduct Medal,National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Marksman, Sharpshooter, Expert (M16), Vietnam Campaign Medal with1960’s Device, Army Presidential Unit Citation, RVN Cross of Gallant.

Ron and Carolyn met in 1968 while working at Wonder World—Ron was in the Hardware Department, and Carolyn worked in the Sundries Department. After a period of courtship, Carolyn brought Ron home to meet her five children. To our family, he was known as Ron, though most of his friends and colleagues knew him as Fred. From that moment on, Ron stepped into our lives—not just as a father figure, but truly as our Dad. Well loved and respected. Ron and Carolyn built a life together and were eventually married on February 20, 1983.

Ron was a dedicated member of the shooting sports community for over three decades. He was a longtime member of the Clark County Shooting Complex, where he faithfully participated in the Wednesday Night Trap League for over 10 years, along with numerous tournaments. Before that, Ron was an active shooter at the Las Vegas Gun Club for 15 years.

A skilled competitor, Ron was the 1998 Runner-Up in the North American Handicap Championship, a notable achievement in his shooting career. Beyond competition, he generously gave back to the sport—sponsoring the ASTL Youth Program and supporting the next generation of shooters. His involvement in shooting leagues spanned more than 30 years, marking him as a true pillar of the community.

Volunteer Experience & Memberships

Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation (RMEF)

• Member of the Las Vegas Chapter, helping to establish the chapter in 1988

• Served as Board Member and Committee Member for over 30 years

• Lifetime Member since 1999

• Alongside his wife, Carolyn, and father, Frank, he dedicated countless hours to organizing and setting up annual Las Vegas Banquets, contributing significantly to the chapter’s success and fundraising efforts.

Ron was well-known for his incredible skill in fixing and repairing motorcycles, cars, trucks, ATVs—virtually anything with an engine. If it needed repair, Ron was the one to call. He was always ready to lend a hand to anyone who asked for assistance. There was nothing this man couldn’t fix; a true master craftsman. Ron was a Certified Master Mechanic in both Automotive and Motorcycle repair, respected for his deep knowledge and dedication to his work.

Ron Enjoyed Life to the Fullest. Ron found joy in motorcycle riding with his wife and friends, especially participating in Poker Runs and racing motorcycles. He had a deep love for the outdoors and was an avid hunter, pursuing all types of game—including elk, antelope, bighorn sheep, and buffalo—often with family and friends. He also cherished fishing, from reeling in salmon in Alaska with family and friends to casting a line wherever he could.

Ron and Carolyn shared many passions, including bowling in a league together and attending Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation banquets, traveling to Alaska and fishing for salmon and halibut. Family meant everything to Ron. Some of his favorite memories included water skiing at Lake Mead, hunting trips to Northern Nevada with family and friends, holiday gatherings, backyard barbecues, and bowling with loved ones. He also enjoyed the Rocky Mountain ATV Jamboree, riding through the Utah mountains with family. Card games with friends and family were another source of laughter and connection.

He is preceded in death by his father, Robert Frank Zimmerman and he is survived by his mother Marjorie Zimmerman, brother Don Zimmerman and step sister Diane Samuel.

He is survived by his loving wife, Carolyn Joyce Zimmerman; and children:

Jimmy Williams, Vancouver WA,

Shirley Williams, Las Vegas, NV & Woodland, WA

Danny Williams, Las Vegas, NV

Jerry and his wife Colleen Williams, Crossville, TN

Sheri and her husband Jeff Cuddy, Las Vegas, NV

12 Grand children

22 Great Grand Children

3 Great Great Grand Children

There are too many family members and friends to mention by name, but you all know who your are. Ron loved each of you with all his Heart. As you know, Ron was a true social butterfly - the King of staying in touch.

A visitation for Ron will be held Friday, August 29, 2025 from 8:30 AM to 10:00 AM at Palm Mortuary - South Jones, 1600 South Jones Blvd, Las Vegas, NV 89146. A funeral service will occur Friday, August 29, 2025 from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM, 1600 South Jones Blvd, Las Vegas, NV 89146. A committal service will take place at 12:00 PM, at Southern Nevada Veterans Memorial Cemetery, 1900 Veterans Memorial Drive, Boulder City, NV 89005.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Ronald Zimmerman's name may be made to, The Tunnel to Towers Foundation, https://t2t.org/donate / or, The Wounded Warrior Project, https://www.woundedwarriorproject.org/donate

https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/las-vegas-nv/ronald-zimmerman-12498655