SALINA, KS — John L. Zimmerman died on June 25, 2021, in Salina, KS, less than two weeks after celebrating his 96th birthday. John was born June 12, 1925, on a farm near Elsmore, KS, to John and Agnes (Alderman) Zimmerman. In his early teens, after the death of his father, John moved along with his mother and his three sisters to Chanute, KS. He graduated from high school in Chanute, then enlisted in the United States Navy and was accepted into the V-5 naval aviation training program. He trained to fly Curtiss SB2C “Helldiver” dive bombers from aircraft carriers. World War II ended just as he was about to be deployed.
After discharge from the Navy, John attended college on the G.I. Bill graduating from Kansas State University in 1949 with a degree in Mechanical Engineering. During his time at K-State, he worked as a houseboy at the Kappa Kappa Gamma sorority where he met the love of his life, Patricia A. “Patsy” Davis from Salina, KS. His first job after college was with Salina Supply Company, where he worked in the heating and air conditioning engineering department and later as an outside salesperson. He married Patsy Davis on May 27, 1950. In 1957, Karl Davis, Patsy’s father and one of the company’s founders and president, suffered a severe stroke, and John took over company management. John retired from Salina Supply after 64 years with the company, 22 years as president. Son, Mark, now runs the company.
John and Patsy were blessed with four children all of whom are K-State graduates. John and Patsy were married for 58 years. John spent great effort taking care of Patsy as she struggled with Alzheimer’s Disease which led to her death in 2008.
John was a strong supporter of Salina – he was proud to have served on the Salina Airport Authority, was a long-time Rotary member, and he and Patsy were charter members of Sunrise Presbyterian Church. John always loved to fly and was an active private pilot – with Patsy as co-pilot – until he reached age 70. He and Patsy impressed upon their children the value of supporting their communities with their time and resources.
John was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, Patsy, and his three sisters, Ladine Lassman, Evelyn Procter and Virginia Smith. He is survived by his four children; Dave Zimmerman (Sharon), Towanda, KS, Ann Zimmerman (Dexter Eggers), Salina, KS, Mark Zimmerman (Dr. Carolyn Hofer), Salina, KS, and Jeff Zimmerman (Jane), Edmonds, WA; as well as 11 grandchildren, one great-grandchild and many wonderful nieces and nephews.
A celebration of his life will be Saturday, August 14, 2021, 10:30 a.m. at Sunrise Presbyterian Church with Rev. Dr. Martha Murchison officiating. Memorials may be made to the church.