Franklyn “Crazy Joe” Zimmerman, of Hoyleton, passed away peacefully on Monday, February 16th, 2026, at the age of 65. Born on Friday, December 16th, 1960, he is the son of Norman J. Zimmerman and Maurie Kay (Healy) Myers.
A proud veteran, Joe served his country with honor as a member of the United States Army. His post-military life saw him take on the open road as a truck driver for Wayne Transport in Centralia.
Affectionately known as “Crazy Joe,” he was a man of many passions. He was raised in the Catholic faith and was also an active member of the American Legion Post #0110 in Nashville. Joe’s true joy came when he was on his motorcycle, as he spent countless hours riding and working on bikes, serving as the esteemed Road Captain of the Centralia Mad Dogs Chapter until his retirement. His love for fishing brought him peace, often pulling him to serene waters where he sought tranquility and reflection.
Joe’s memory is cherished by his surviving family, including his daughters, Harley Ann Zimmerman with her husband Wyatt Kurtzwell of St. Peters, MO, and Amy Lynn McGrew with her husband Micheal of Centralia, his sons, Frank Zimmerman and Norman Zimmerman-Stephens of Carlyle, and Sam Miller of North Carolina, hold their father fondly in their hearts. He is also remembered by his loving sisters, Julie Hughes, Peggy Hilmes with her husband Bob, Mary Stephens with her husband Grant, and Janet Timmerman, all of Carlyle; grandchildren, Jayden Miltenberger, Cleva McGrew, Renetta McGrew, Jacob McGrew; several nieces and nephews, and his extended Mad Dogs Club family. They all will forever carry his memory.
Preceding him in death were his devoted parents, a cherished son, David McClintock, a brother, John Zimmerman, and his best friend and brother, Bill Holle.
Family and friends are invited to pay their respects at Sutherland-Garnier Funeral Home in Centralia, where a Visitation will take place on Saturday, February 21st, 2026, from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM, followed by a funeral service at 4:00 pm. at the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made to the family and will be accepted at the Sutherland-Garnier Funeral Home located at 235 North Sycamore Street, Centralia, Illinois 62801, (618) 532-3523, who is honored to be of service to Joe’s Family. Online condolences may be made to the family by visiting www.sutherlandfuneralhome.com and the Sutherland Funeral Home Facebook page.
To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Joe, please visit our Sympathy Arrangements or call Sutherland-Garnier Funeral Home.
Joe’s legacy lives on in the memories of his laughter, love, and tales of the open road, leaving an indelible mark on all who knew him. May he rest in eternal peace, riding on the highways of heaven.
