Earl L. Zimmer, Jr.

 

Earl L. Zimmer, Jr., 94, of Emporium, PA passed away at Penn Highlands Elk, St. Marys, on Tuesday evening, July 21, 2026.

He was born July 23, 1931, in Emporium, a son of the late Earl L. and Mildred Kephart Zimmer. On August 12, 1950, in the First Baptist Church, he married Shirley Harford, who preceded him in death. They celebrated over 70 years of marriage.

A lifelong resident of Emporium, Earl graduated from Emporium High School before proudly serving his country in the United States Navy during the Korean Conflict. Following his military service, he began a long career in pipeline construction, where he worked as a foreman for many years. Known as a talented welder and mechanic, Earl could fix nearly anything and enjoyed putting his skills to work helping others.

His love of motorcycles became one of the great passions of his life. He owned and operated a motorcycle and snowmobile shop, where he enjoyed sharing his knowledge with fellow enthusiasts. Earl especially loved motocross racing and spent many happy hours riding, racing, and working on motorcycles. He later retired from Columbia Gas Transmission after many years of dedicated service.

Family was always at the center of Earl's life. He enjoyed nothing more than spending time with his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, and he took great pride in watching his family grow through the generations. He will be remembered for his strong work ethic, mechanical abilities, adventurous spirit, and the kindness and generosity he shared with family, friends, and neighbors throughout his life.

Though Earl's hands built and repaired many things throughout his lifetime, his greatest accomplishment was the family he loved so deeply. His legacy of hard work, service to his country, unwavering devotion to his family, and love for life will continue to live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved him.

He is survived by four daughters, Pamela (Richard) Dill of Williamsport, Paula (Irvin) Merat of Byrnedale, Priscilla Zimmer of Emporium, and Dorothy (Mark) Anderson of St. Marys; three sons, Benjamin (Lynn) Zimmer of Linesville, Louis Scott (Christina) Zimmer of Ridgway, and Andrew (Dawn) Zimmer of Emporium; sixteen grandchildren; twenty-six great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren; three sisters, Carol Ripple of Penfield, Lou Ann Gabersack (Joe) of Eldred, and Patricia Roberto of Emporium; two brothers, Guy (Marlene) Zimmer of Emporium and Charles "Butch" (Marlene) Zimmer of Emporium; and numerous nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents and beloved wife, he was preceded in death by a son, Calvin Zimmer; two grandchildren; two brothers, Daniel Zimmer and Curtis Zimmer; and two sisters, Tamara Groves and Anita Owens; grandchildren, Julie Anderson and Brandon Zimmer

Visitation will be held at the First Baptist Church, 424 N. Broad Street, Emporium, on Saturday, July 25, 2026, from 11:00 until 11:45 AM, followed by the funeral service at 12:00 noon with Rev. Dr. David Smith, Pastor, officiating. Military honors will be accorded by the Cameron County Memorial Detail immediately following the funeral service.

Burial will be in Newton Cemetery, Emporium.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the First Baptist Church, Memorial Fund, 424 N. Broad Street, Emporium, PA 15834.