Billy R. Simmons
Billy R. Simmons, 84, passed peacefully
Sunday (Dec. 23, 2007) at his home.
He was born April 3, 1923, in Kansas
City, Mo., and taken home to Independence by his loving parents,
Loren and Bernice Simmons. They preceded him in death.
Bill graduated from Independence High
School in 1941 and went on to attend Independence Junior College.
Bill served as a sergeant in the Army
Air Force from March 1943 to February 1946. He was a radio mechanic
in the 423rd Army Air Force Base Unit. During his military service
Bill was stationed at Shefflers Field, Texas; Mobile, Ala.; Walla
Walla, Wash.; and Bakersfield, Calif. His decorations included the
American Theatre Ribbon, Victory Ribbon, and Good Conduct Medal. Bill
felt honored to have served his country.
On June 22, 1947, he married Lora M.
Fencl in Wichita, his wife of 60 years. She survives.
The couple moved to Newton in 1952,
when Bill went to work for American Flours. He was a devoted employee
for 35 years serving as manager until his retirement from
American/Ross/Cargill in 1987. This position facilitated many fond
memories of wheat harvest with his family.
Bill was an active member of the First
Baptist Church of Newton for many years. Bill taught senior high
youth group and served as the superintendent of the Sunday School
Program.
After Bill's retirement, his hobbies
included woodworking, building miniature windmills, having afternoon
coffee with friends, watching KU basketball and reading the evening
newspaper.
You could always count on Bill for a
friendly smile and wave as he enjoyed sitting on his swing in the
front yard of their home on High Street. Bill delighted in spending
time with the family dachshunds (wiener dogs) - Bridgette, Bradley,
Oscar, Elvis, Runty, Sammy, Gizmo, Bud, Max, Paco, Madison, Emma,
Rupert, Roscoe and Rookie.
Bill was also a member of the American
Legion and the Newton Chamber of Commerce.
Other survivors include daughters,
Cindy Simmons of Newton and Nancy Simmons of Phoenix; son, Stephen
Simmons and wife, Kathryn, of Lee's Summit, Mo.; three grandchildren,
Jennifer Carroll and fiancé, Ken Schleininger, of Newton, Jessica
Baldwin Allen of Walton, and Hannah Simmons of Phoenix; three
great-grandchildren, Jerrica Baldwin of Salina and Lanna Carroll and
Brody Carroll of Marion.
Visitation will be from 9 a.m. to 8
p.m. Thursday at Broadway Colonial Funeral Home in Newton, with
family greeting friends from 6 to 8 p.m.
Funeral services will be 10 a.m. Friday
at First Baptist Church of Newton.
Memorials have been established with
the First Baptist Church Youth Ministries, Harry Hynes Memorial
Hospice, and Caring Hands Humane Society.
Newton Kansan, The (KS) - Wednesday,
December 26, 2007
