In Honor of all Servicemen and Servicewomen

Past, Present, Future

Cost of Freedom, Inc. 

Donors who make charitable contributions will receive an acknowledgement from Cost of Freedom, Inc. and may be eligible for a tax deduction on their income tax return.

Colonel Robert Rutledge Zimmerman, USMC (Ret.)

October 9, 1950 - March 7, 2026

Colonel Robert Rutledge Zimmerman, United States Marine Corps (Retired), passed into eternal life with our Father in Heaven on March 7, 2026, at the age of 75, surrounded by his loving family. Born on October 9, 1950, in San Antonio, Texas, Robert lived a life defined by faith, service, leadership, and devotion to those he loved. He is survived by his beloved wife of 27 years, Bonnie Zimmerman; his daughters, Chanda and Christina; his son, Rocky; his brother, Ronald Zimmerman; and Bonnie's son, Christopher. He was preceded in death by his parents, George E. Zimmerman and Dorothy R. Zimmerman.

A respected Marine officer and aviator, Colonel Zimmerman graduated from Douglas MacArthur High School in San Antonio and the United States Naval Academy, Class of 1972, before earning a master's degree from the University of Southern California in 1978. After completing The Basic School and earning his Naval Flight Officer Wings of Gold, he served as a Radar Intercept Officer in the F-4 Phantom II and later became a graduate of the elite Navy Fighter Weapons School, known as "Top Gun." Throughout a distinguished military career spanning more than two decades, he served with multiple Marine fighter attack squadrons and held critical leadership positions around the world. He earned numerous awards and decorations, including the Bronze Star Medal, Legion of Merit, Meritorious Service Medal, Air Medal with Combat "V," and multiple Navy Commendation Medals. During Operations Desert Shield, Desert Storm, and Restore Hope, his leadership, operational expertise, and courage made lasting contributions to the success of U.S. and allied forces. He retired as a Colonel in 1997 after accumulating more than 4,000 flight hours and serving as Commanding Officer of Marine Corps Air Station Camp Pendleton.

Following his retirement from the Marine Corps, Colonel Zimmerman founded Veteran Government Services, a company dedicated to preparing active-duty military personnel for deployment through realistic urban combat training. In 2014, he and Bonnie retired to the Las Vegas Valley, where they embraced the community, enjoyed the area's many opportunities, and remained active in their church. Known for his integrity, patriotism, intelligence, and generosity, Colonel Zimmerman was loved and respected by all who knew him.

Visitation was held on Saturday, March 14, 2026, from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Palm Mortuary, 800 S. Boulder Highway, Henderson, Nevada. Funeral services were held at the same location on Sunday, March 15, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. Burial with full military honors was held at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery in San Antonio, Texas. Colonel Zimmerman's legacy of faithful service to his nation, family, and faith endures in the lives of all who were privileged to know him.

Robert R. Zimmerman