Rodney Paul Zimmerman

Rodney Paul Zimmerman 86, of Charlestown, IN passed away on Saturday, January 20, 2024, at Autumn Woods in New Albany, IN.

He was born on October 21, 1937, in Scottsburg, IN to James Paul and Mary Ellen Meadows Zimmerman. Rodney was a lifelong farmer, owner and operator of International Harvester dealerships.  He was the 1991 Clark County Conservation Farmer of the Year and the Heritage Farm Recipient in 2016.  He also received several other accomplishments and awards throughout his farm life.

Rodney was a pioneer for a handful of new farming techniques in Clark County, IN including no-till planting and hydroponic tobacco plants.  He was a dedicated soil conservationist to preserve and protect it for future generations.

Rodney was preceded in death by his parents; brother Max Thomas Zimmerman, and his uncle, Stephen Dale Zimmerman.

Survivors include his son, Max Zimmerman, and his wife Mary Ellen; daughter, Rhonda Lee Mills, and her partner Rafael Rafael; grandson, Jake Hamilton Zimmerman; granddaughter, Reagan Zimmerman Moore, and her husband Zach Moore; Yolanda Strickland, his partner of 23 years; family farm manager and friend of 50 years Dave Franklin.  Rodney was known as Poppy to his grandchildren but also to all their classmates throughout the years.

Life Celebration Services will be at 11:00 am on Saturday, January 27, 2024, at Grayson Funeral Home in New Washington with burial in Old Salem Cemetery.  Visitation will be on Friday from 3:00 pm to 8:00 pm and after 9:00 am on Saturday.

The family would like to express their appreciation to the staff of Autumn Woods and Southern Care Hospice for their loving care.

In lieu of flowers, donations will be greatly appreciated if given to The New Washington Scholarship Fund for the class of 1955 at P. O. Box 13 New Washington, IN 47162 .