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Colonel Robert R. Zimmerman USMC

October 9, 1950 - March 7, 2026

​Colonel Robert Rutledge Zimmerman, USMC (Ret.), born October 9, 1950, passed into eternal life on March 7, 2026, surrounded by his loving family. He is survived by his wife of 27 years, Bonnie; his children Chanda, Christina, and Rocky; his brother Ronald; and Bonnie’s son Christopher. He was preceded in death by his parents, George E. and Dorothy R. Zimmerman. A native of San Antonio, Texas, he graduated from Douglas MacArthur High School, the U.S. Naval Academy Class of 1972, and later earned a master’s degree from the University of Southern California.

Colonel Zimmerman’s distinguished Marine Corps career began at The Basic School in Quantico, followed by earning his Naval Flight Officer wings and serving as a Radar Intercept Officer in the F‑4 Phantom II. He flew with VMFA‑122, VMFA‑235, VMFA‑112, and VMFA‑212, graduated from the Navy Fighter Weapons School (“Top Gun”), and contributed to major squadron achievements including the Robert M. Hanson Award and the CNO Safety Award. His work extended beyond flying, producing influential studies such as the Kahoolawe range analysis that helped preserve critical training capabilities in Hawaii.

Throughout his decades of service, Colonel Zimmerman earned numerous commendations for leadership, planning, and heroism. He served as an aviation advisor in Guatemala, as the Navy/Marine Liaison Officer at Red Flag, and later as a Weapon Systems Officer in the F/A‑18D. During Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm, he spent more than 200 consecutive days in the Middle East, planning Air Tasking Orders for the largest Marine Aircraft Wing ever deployed to combat. His valor in flight earned him the Bronze Star, the Air Medal with Combat “V,” and multiple Navy Commendation Medals. He later supported Operation Restore Hope in Somalia and ultimately served as Commanding Officer of MCAS Camp Pendleton, where he was awarded the Legion of Merit.

After retiring from the Marine Corps with more than 4,000 flight hours, Colonel Zimmerman founded Veteran Government Services, training deploying forces for urban combat. In 2014, he and Bonnie settled in the Las Vegas Valley, enjoying their community, church, and the blessings of retirement. Loved and respected by all who knew him, Colonel Zimmerman’s legacy endures in his family, his faith, and his extraordinary service to his country. Visitation and funeral services were held March 14–15, 2026, in Henderson, Nevada, and he has been laid to rest with full military honors at Fort Sam Houston Cemetery in San Antonio, Texas.