February 22, 1957 – February 5, 2022
Michael Gilmore Zimmer, 64, departed this life peacefully on Saturday, February 5, 2022. As he would tell you in his own pre-written funeral arrangements: “for those of you who knew Mike, words are not necessary, for those of you who didn’t words aren’t adequate”.
Mike was born February 22, 1957 to Mary and Michael Zimmer and grew up in Florissant, Missouri. An outstanding student, Mike achieved the rank of Eagle Scout, one of his proudest accomplishments. He would tell you that “every job interview he ever had recognized this achievement”.
He attended Oklahoma State University and received an associate's degree in fire protection and safety technology and a bachelor of science in fire protection and safety engineering technology. He volunteered as a fireman while attending OSU, which was a lifelong passion and ultimately “his best job ever”. Arriving on a firetruck, he picked up Mona Gibson for a blind date. They were married in 1979, and blessed with three children.
Throughout his career he worked as a fire protection and chemical safety engineer in multiple refineries across the Texas Gulf Coast. Mike was an accomplished and well-respected expert in his field, having authored articles in numerous publications.
In 2005, a good friend set up Mike and Carolyn Crow on yet another blind date. They married in June of 2006, purchasing a lakefront home which Mike enjoyed tremendously and Carolyn not so much.
Mike had many hobbies, and loved working with his hands. He always had multiple “projects” going simultaneously, and was never one to shy away from a challenge. Over his lifetime, he collected a wide array of fire-themed memorabilia, which were a point of pride, including a 1961 Mack Firetruck.
Mike loved and believed in the Lord, and is in his final home with Jesus in Heaven.
Mike is survived by his wife, Carolyn, sister Elizabeth Harris, children Morgan, Melissa, and Andrew, stepchildren Kara (Chris) Mitchell and Kyle (Crystal) Bartel; and his grandchildren Hudson, Adison, Emerson, Rowan, Barrett, Cora, and Blake. He is also survived by his four-legged friends: Sully, Steve, Sheldon, Lexi, and Tucker.
A memorial service will be held on Friday, February 11, 2022 at 3:00 P.M. at Jeter Memorial Funeral Home Chapel, 311 N. Friendswood Dr., Friendswood, Texas 77546 (281) 992-7200 with Bennie Carrizales officiating.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation (firehero.org) or the American Belgium Malinois Rescue (malinoisrescue.org).
6 thoughts on “Michael Gilmore Zimmer”
To the Zimmer Family;
My sincere condolences on the lost of your love one. Mike an awesome man and friend to all that knew him. As he stated for those who knew him words are not necessary. I will miss our safety luncheon and conversations. The words of God says to be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord. You fought a good fight, now take your well deserved rest. Until we meet again, my love and prayers.
I met Mike through work and we became fast friends. Rest in peace my dear friend.
Sandra Pugh
Mike was a "Great Guy/Friend/ Boss"!!! Mike was definitely one of a kind… He will be missed by all but he is now in a better place. Mike was always the perfectionist in the group. He taught me many things as a boss and a friend. We will always miss the "Biscuit Run" to Kingsville and the return stop at the gun range to pick up brass and discuss our work load and life events. We learned real quick if we had a Emergency Run who was going to be the driver. Mike is now a full time Fire Fighter in Heaven watching out for all of us …………….
Great guy. Mike was quite the mentor and Fire Chief. A great leader. He will surely be missed.
I just learned of Mike's passing. I am so sorry to hear of his passing. Mike and I were buddy's at OSU and worked together for Stillwater Fire. Mike brought me home with him one time for a school break and we did hill climbs in his blue truck. He really loved that truck. After school I lost track but always thought of mike now and again.
He had many friend at OSU and we will remember him always.
My thoughts and prayer are with his family.
Sorrowfully,
Jeff
Kennebunk, Maine
I just found out about Mike’s passing today and I’m very sorry to hear this news I had the pleasure of working with Mike at Oxy in the safety department. He was always very funny, quickwitted, and could tell some great stories. Mic invited me to his home in Rosharon to go fishing and I really enjoyed it!
Rest in peace O’l buddy
Mark Decker