Bossier City, LA
Richard M. Simmons passed from this earthly life Sunday, March 24, 2013. He was a beloved husband, father, grandfather and friend. He passed away peacefully surrounded by his family.
Richard was born November 14, 1921 in Jamestown, NY to Willis and Ella Simmons. He is preceded in death by his wife of 65 years, Janet, his son David, his parents, brother and sister. He is survived by his children: Kathi Thompson and husband Rocky, Jennie Parrish and husband Ben and their children, Marc, Richie and Hannah, Donald Simmons and wife Lisa and their children, Rachael, Ansley and Reed, Jeff Simmons and wife Connie and his daughter, Danielle Larned, Richard Simmons, Jr and his partner Jeannie Wells.
Lt. Col. Simmons entered the Army Air Corp in 1943 as a 2nd Lt and was assigned as a bombardier/navigator flying B-24 out of Italy and North Africa during WWII. He flew numerous combat missions and, unfortunately, on his second to the last mission, he was shot down and spent 13 months in Stalag I as a POW until the war ended. Once the war ended, he returned to the states and married his childhood sweetheart, Janet McGee, and started their life outside the military in Jamestown, NY. After five years out of the military, the call to serve was too strong and Richard re-entered the Air Force as a Capt. in 1950 flying B-29's. Over the next 20 years he accumulated over 10,000 hours flying B-29's, B-47's and B-52's in Strategic Air Command. Richard and Janet retired from the Air Force in 1969 and settled their family in Bossier City, LA where they spent the next 44 years.
A Funeral Mass will be held at 2:00 pm, Wednesday, March 27 at St. Jude’s Catholic Church in Bossier City, LA. officiated by Fr. Pike Thomas. Inurnment will follow at Hill Crest Memorial Park. The family will be receiving visitors at the church from 1:00-2:00pm.
The family would like to express their gratitude to all of their father’s caregivers, especially Cheri Eldridge and the late Miriam Higginbotham, for the love and compassion that they shared with Richard over the past few years.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Volunteer Services Overton Brooks VA Medical Center or the charity of your choice.
You may share your memories with the family by visiting www.hillcrestmemorialfh.com.
COMPARTA UN OBITUARIO
v.1.9.5