ZIMMER, Donald J. (Don)

The White Mountain Independent, Show Low, Arizona ~ 10/18/2013 Donald J. (Don) Zimmer, 86, died Oct. 1, 2013, at Summit Healthcare Regional Medical Center in Show Low. He was born April 13, 1927, in Elyria, Ohio, to Loy and Anna (Wagner) Zimmer, the middle child of 11 siblings. In 1945, he graduated from Vienna High School in Vienna, Ohio, and shortly afterward joined the Merchant Marine, resigning in 1948. He married Mary Ellen (Clower) Zimmer July 10, 1948, and they were married for 65 years. For three years, he worked as a journeyman plumber before joining the U.S. Air Force in 1951. He was discharged in 1955 as a staff sergeant at Davis Monthan Air Base in Tucson. He immediately enrolled at the University of Arizona and completed his degree in mechanical engineering in three years. He was employed by Shell Oil Company from 1958-63, when he was hired by Santa Fe International Drilling Company as an oil field drilling manager. His career with Santa Fe took him on many foreign assignments as managing director, overseeing operations of rigs and employees, primarily in the Middle East, where he and his family spent more than 10 years. He returned to the Santa Fe office in Orange, Calif., in 1974. In 1978, he went into business for himself, starting up Petroleum Training schools, teaching major oil and drilling company classes in well control, advanced drilling technology, and casing and cementing. This took him to many foreign countries, as well as various states in the United States. Don and Mary bought their first piece of property in Pinetop in 1958. In 1968, they built a home in the Pinetop Country Club that was used for vacations. They joined Pinetop Country Club in 1968 and remain members. In 1970, they joined Pinetop Lakes Country Club and only recently resigned. In 1983, they made Pinetop their permanent home. They built a new home in the Pinetop Country Club in 2007. Don’s favorite hobby was rebuilding old Mercedes cars, and he was working on a 1978 convertible at the time of his death. Don leaves behind his wife, Mary; grandchildren, Donald and Erika Spiess; eight siblings and many close relatives and friends. He has gone to join their daughter, Kristin R. Zimmer Spiess, who passed away Feb. 23, 2013, in Albuquerque, N.M., at the age of 49 and whom he deeply mourned. Don requested there be no memorial service. He was cremated and his ashes will be spread where he had designated. Friends who wish to make a memorial contribution may do so at a local hospice or charity of their choice. Owens Livingston Mortuary - White Mountain Chapel of Show Low handled arrangements. Those who have special memories and would like to send private condolences or sign an online guest book are invited to visit www.owenslivingstonmortuary.com.