Louis E. Zimmer

Louis E. Zimmer, 84 of Royal Center passed away on Wednesday, October 23, 2013 in the home he shared with his wife for 63 years.

Born November 17, 1928, he was the son of the late John F. and Daisy (Crow) Zimmer. On June 25, 1950, he married the love of his life, Betty Woneda Van Meter; she survives.

He was a Royal Center High School graduate.

Louis was a professional sheep shearer and judged many national shearing contests in Indiana, Illinois and Ohio. He had one of the oldest Corriedale sheep flocks in the nation. For many years, he showed sheep at the Indiana State Fair. In 1985, Louis had the Grand Champion ram at the North American Livestock Exposition in Louisville, Kentucky. Louis was also awarded the Guy Green Award for lifetime achievement by the National Corriedale Association and the Oren Wright Award from the Indiana Sheep Breeders Association.

As a hobby, Louis hand crafted beautiful bowls and other works, which are cherished by those who received them as gifts.

Lou was a member of Metea Baptist Church. He also served on the Board of Directors for Farm Bureau and the Cass County 4-H Fair Board. He was a long time member and past president of the Logansport Rose Society. For many years, he served on the Harrison Township Advisory Board and was very proud of the improvements to the fire department. Lou was also a founding member and president of the Pioneer Pathfinders camping club in Royal Center.

Louis was a devoted and loving husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather. He and Betty enjoyed taking their children on vacations and camping trips, where he loved reading the poetry of James Whitcomb Riley to the kids. His greatest joy was spending time with his children, grandchildren and many relatives and friends.

Survivors include his wife, Betty Zimmer of Royal Center, children, Gary L. Zimmer (Peggy) of Rosedale, Jeffery L. Zimmer (Bobbi) of Royal Center, Linda S. Zimmer of Royal Center, Sharon L. Couch of Billings, Montana, Randal D. Zimmer (Jennifer) of Winamac and Bradley A. Zimmer (Ann Haley) of Indianapolis, and sister, Ann Beers (Ray) of Florida. He is also survived by 8 grandchildren, Steven Gwin (Loretta), Sara Ramsey (Chris), Justin Zimmer (Erica), Cole Zimmer, Jacob Couch (Sienna), Misty Wade (Chris), Maria Zimmer and Jordan Couch and 6 great grandchildren, Cody and Noah Gwin, Whitney and Matthew Ramsey, and Asher Lyman and Braelyn Couch.

He was also preceded in death by his brother, Raymond.

Services will be held at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, October 26, 2013 at Metea Baptist Church in Metea. Pastors William Cordes and Bob Cree will officiate. Burial will follow at Indian Creek Christian Cemetery in Royal Center.

Visitation will be held from 4 to 8 p.m., Friday, October 25, 2013 at Harrison-Metzger & Rans Funeral Home, Royal Center and also one hour before the time of service at the church on Saturday.

Memorial contributions may be made to Metea Baptist Church and/or Gentiva Hospice.

Please sign the online guestbook or leave a condolence for the Zimmer family at ransfuneralhomes.com

Arrangements have been entrusted to Harrison-Metzger & Rans Funeral Home, Royal Center Chapel.