Lieutenant Colonel Carl E. Zimmerman, Jr., USAF (Ret), of Georgetown, Texas, passed away at age 69 on 1 June 2026.

The second child and first-born son of Carl and Mary "Kay" Zimmerman, Carl was born on December 17, 1956 [the 53rd anniversary of the Wright Brothers' first flight at Kitty Hawk] and was raised in Dearborn, Michigan. He was the last student to graduate from the Edison Institute; a private elementary school located within historic Greenfield Village. He attended William B. Stout Junior High School and graduated from Edsel Ford High School with the Class of 1975. Always an athlete, Carl played football at Stout and Edsel Ford, lacrosse at the Air Force Academy and golf after graduation.

Following graduation, Carl began a lifetime of service to his country when he enlisted in the United States Air Force. Upon completion of basic training, Carl was assigned to security forces safeguarding B-52 Stratofortresses based in Germany. Carl thrived in the structure, discipline and esprit de corps of the Air Force. His chain-of-command recognized Carl's potential and recommended that he attend the U.S. Air Force Academy Preparatory School. After completing USAFA Preparatory School, Carl entered the United States Air Force Academy with the Class of 1982. He was a proud member of the "Best in Blue," graduating with B.S. in Political Science and Middle Eastern Studies. He later earned an M.A. in International Political Economics from the University of Southern California.

Carl was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the United States Air Force on 2 June 1982, which began his 24-year career of distinguished service to our nation as a commissioned officer. He began his career training to become a pilot, then as a navigator and in the process learned that his career calling was to provide unparalleled support to the aviation community as a Services/Support Officer. Carl was initially assigned to Dover AFB where his responsibilities included serving as Mortuary Affairs Officer during the Arrow Air Flight 1285 crash near Gander, Newfoundland Canada, which included 248 U.S. Army personnel returning from a peacekeeping mission in the Sinai Peninsula and 8 crew members, and the space shuttle Challenger disaster. Follow-on assignments included RAF Chicksands; Loring AFB including deployment to Saudi Arabia in support of OPERATION DESERT SHIELD/DESERT STORM and closing Loring AFB; Laughlin AFB in Del Rio, Texas where Carl became a Texan in his heart; San Antonio, Texas where he served as Chief of Air Force Fitness and Sports, successfully implementing programs that significantly upgraded fitness center equipment standards, and an assignment in the Pentagon. The pinnacle of Carl's career assignments was as Commanding Officer of the 423rd Services Squadron overseeing operations at RAF Alconbury, RAF Molesworth and RAF Upwood. First and always a Texan, Carl found room in his heart for the people of Cambridgeshire, England, UK and fully embraced British and Scottish cultures. He started the Independence Day tradition of hosting a Texas barbecue and inviting local dignitaries to come together in a relaxed, friendly, apolitical environment. Carl's final assignment was at the Air Force Command, Control, Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance Center located at Langley AFB in Langley, VA, retiring as a Lieutenant Colonel on December 31, 2006. His military awards included the Meritorious Service Medal with 4 devices, Air Force Commendation Medal with 2 devices, Air Force Achievement Medal with 1 device, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, the National Defense Service Medal with 1 device and the Air Force Organizational Excellence Award.

Upon his retirement, Carl and his wife Valerie purchased a 22-acre ranch in Florence, Texas. Wasting little time, Carl went to work at Sun City in Georgetown, Texas as Director of Community Standards for 17 years. Just as in his military career, Carl was focused on the execution of his mission and taking care of his people. According to one of his Sun City colleagues, "Carl stood out. He was tall with great posture, often in a cowboy hat. He wore jeans when it wasn't Casual Friday, army boots with shorts, and somehow could pull off a kilt with a polo. Carl was calm, steady, and dependable the kind of person who didn't need to be the loudest voice to make an impact. When something amused him, he'd give that familiar smirk that made the moment better. Carl was a kind gentleman, a loyal friend, and a steady presence. He reminded us that everyone has a story worth learning. I'll remember the boots, the horses, the smirk, the stories, and most of all, the kindness behind them."

As if an important, full-time job wasn't enough, Carl's responsibilities on the ranch were Herculean. He and Valerie cared for a menagerie of large and small animals including horses, Texas Longhorns including a bull named William Wallace [of Braveheart fame], llamas, dogs, cats and an armadillo. Born and raised with an incredible work ethic and his commitment to stewardship, Carl cared for his animals with unparalleled devotion, including starting fires and melting ice during an extended winter storm with no power so that the animals would have water to drink.

Carl and Valerie Zimmerman were married on September 22, 1992 in Reno, Nevada. He was a member of the U.S. Air Force Academy Association of Graduates, American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars and the Knights of Columbus.

Carl is survived by his wife Valerie S. Zimmerman, his sister Mary Z. Murphy, Ph.D. of Granby, CT; his brother CAPT John D. Zimmerman, USNR (Ret) of Kailua, HI; and his brother James R. (Kathy) Zimmerman, M.D. of Roswell, GA. Carl also leaves behind his nephew John F. (Christina) Murphy III, Esq.; niece Kathleen "Katie" M. Hershon, M.D.; nephew Richard J. Zimmerman and niece and goddaughter Audrey V. Zimmerman. Carl was also blessed with three great-nephews: Jack L. and Oliver C. Hershon; and John F. Murphy IV.

Carl was preceded in death by his loving parents, Carl E. Zimmerman, Sr. and Mary K. "Kay" Zimmerman; his sister-in-law, Nancy Luke Zimmerman; and his brother-in-law, Dr. John F. Murphy, Jr.

A Celebration of Carl's Life will be held at Sun City on a later date. The family wishes to extend our sincere thanks to all of Carl's friends at Sun City who provided joy and fellowship to Carl and made an impact on his life.

Carl's funeral mass will be celebrated at the Air Force Academy Chapel in Colorado Springs, Colorado on 29 July 2026. His cremains will be buried following mass in the Air Force Academy cemetery. Memorials may be given as donations to Rock Ride on Center for Kids in Georgetown, Texas.