Fawn Simmons Chapman Zimmerman was born in Corpus Christi on Dec. 1, 1948 to Lily Jean Simmons Chapman and James Thomas Chapman. Fawn grew up in Karnes City with her parents and two older brothers, Jeff and David Chapman. Fawn had dear friends from youth to whom she remained close her entire life. After high school, Fawn attended McMurray University where she studied accounting.
Fawn met the love of her life, Vernon Eugene Zimmermann, and they married July 17, 1970. Fawn and Vernon made their home in Schulenburg, where they raised four sons – Vernon, Spence, James and Chad. Fawn and Vernon were active members of the First Baptist Church, where Vernon served as a deacon and Fawn served by providing meals to the sick and bereaved. They were active members of the community with lots of friends. As parents, Fawn and Vernon attended every event in which any of their children participated and this level of involvement continued with their grandchildren.
Fawn and Vernon were truly a couple that became a one. They worked together at Zimmermann’s Garage where Vernon repaired vehicles and Fawn did the books. They socialized together, traveled together and especially loved playing cards. On May 7, 2016, Fawn lost the love of her life to cancer. Fawn grieved the loss of Vernon the rest of her life; however she chose to live life for the both of them and continued to give her love to her family and friends. To know Fawn was to be loved by Fawn. She never met a stranger and made everyone feel special. If you met Fawn, you knew Fawn. Her loyalty is something that is rare and beautiful. Fawn’s commitment to her family and friends is something to be honored and admired. Fawn has touched so many lives! Her love spreads far and wide.
On Tuesday, June 29, 2021, family, friends and the community lost Fawn after a battle with COVID. That same day, Fawn was reunited in heaven with her loving husband, Vernon Zimmermann; her parents; James and Lily Jean Chapman; her beloved niece, Julie Chapman Hardwick; and scores of family and friends who preceded her in death.
Fawn is survived by sons and families – Vernon Zimmermann, wife Laura and children Zachary (Kemra) and Jenna; Spence Zimmermann and daughter Randi; James Zimmermann, wife Constance and children Beckett, Kristin, Adler and Maebry; and Chad Zimmermann, wife Jamie, and children Noah and Roman. She is also survived by brothers, Jeff Chapman and wife Diana, and David Chapman; sisters-in-law, Maxine Tudyk, and Gloria Lieke and husband R.W.; and beloved nieces, nephews, cousins and countless friends.
Memorial services for Fawn Zimmermann, 72, will be held from the First Baptist Church in Schulenburg on Saturday, July 17, 2021 at 2 p.m. Visitation will be at the church from noon to 2 p.m. Private interment will be in Andrews Chapel Cemetery.
The family requests donations be made to First Baptist Church, Schulenburg, or a charity of one’s choice.
Schwenke-Baumgarten Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.