Richard Lester Simonton

Dick was born October 11, 1942 in Westwood (Lassen County) California to Lester and Frances Simonton. He joined his sister Donna and later his brother Larry was born. The family later moved to Gooding, Idaho where Dick attended school and graduated from Gooding High School in 1960.

Dick earned his Bachelor’s Degree from the University of Idaho in 1964. After graduation, he taught at the Idaho School for Blind and Deaf Students. Later he went to California State San Francisco and earned his Master’s Degree in 1968.

Upon graduating from San Francisco State, Dick took a job as an itinerant teacher for visually impaired students in Stanislaus County. Here he met his wife Martha and they married July 5, 1969.

Together they had two children David and Matthew. The family made their home in Modesto and later moved to Riverbank. Dick retired in 2004 from the Stanislaus County Office of Education as an Administrator of Special Education Programs.

Dick loved traveling and as a family, they traveled throughout the states, including Hawaii, and one trip to Europe. Dick and Martha continued traveling after their sons were grown. Their favorite travels were to Kauai, Australia, and they experienced several river cruises, including Russia, China and two in Europe.

Dick is survived by his wife Martha of 54 years, son David (Staci) of Mill Valley, California and four grandchildren. He is also survived by several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his son Matthew, sister Donna Lancaster, brother Larry Simonton, and his parents Frances and Lester Simonton.

A graveside service will take place on Wednesday, November 1, 2023 at 1:00 pm at Lakewood Memorial Park, 900 Santa Fe Ave. Hughson, California. Following the graveside service a memorial service will be held at St. Matthias Anglican Church, 107 South First Street, Oakdale, California at 2:15 pm followed by a reception. All those who would like to attend the services are welcomed.

Martha would like to express thanks to the wonderful staff at the Alexander Cohen Hospice House. If desired friends may make contributions in Dick's name to Community Hospice 4368 Spyres Way, Modesto CA 95356, to St. Matthias Anglican Church, 107 South First St. Oakdale, CA 95361, or to the charity of their choice.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.LakewoodHughson.com for the Simonton family.