David John Simmons

David was born on March 10, 1946, in Bristol England to John Simmons and Ann Kane. David sailed over the Atlantic Ocean with his mother and landed on Ellis Island in 1946 before their journey to Sioux City Iowa, where they would establish their new home. David attended Epiphany Cathedral Elementary school and had a short stint living and visiting Nebraska during the summer and part of a school year. He loved riding his horse to school. Very heartwarming memories. He really enjoyed the outdoors, horseback riding and working on their farm. David attended Heelan High School. While attending Heelan High school he met his life partner, best friend, Barbara Ann Krokowski, later known as Cupcake. While in High School David purchased a 1964 Chevy 409 SS. David and Barbara enjoyed every day after school driving to one of their favorite establishments getting some chips, extra dip and two cokes at Tastees.

In 1966, David and Barbara were married on Valentine’s Day. Shortly thereafter, they welcomed a new baby girl, Cherie Ann. David began working for a paving company in Sioux City, Iowa. During David’s younger years he enjoyed motorcycles, boats and cars. Shortly after their daughter was born, David was called to duty in the United States Navy. After his honorable discharge David began working for Sioux City Packing house. David sold his 409 to purchase his 1967 Corvette. David was always searching for other opportunities. Simmons began working and constructing a new facility in South Sioux City for a company called Dressed Beef. After the building was completed, he was offered a position within the company to again work in a packing house. David and Barbara had their second daughter, Christine Jean in 1972. After Christine was born, the family moved to Colorado where David was offered a construction job and had hopes for a better life and opportunities. This was a hard decision as they were leaving their families and friends behind.

The young couple purchased their first residence in a mobile home park in 1972. During this time, the couple struggled, however were happy and grateful for the friendships, neighbors and work opportunities. David began construction work immediately after their arrival. The family enjoyed weekend trips, with a packed picnic to the mountains and exploring the beautiful State of Colorado. Every weekend they chose a different adventure. David once again found a new opportunity and was offered a position driving a small freight van for a meat company for about a year until he started working for Universal Drywall. Life wasn’t easy for the young family during the early 1970s, but it changed when he began working for Universal Drywall. In the late 1970’s, Dave and Cupcake finally purchased their first real home. They were so proud. David’s father-in-law Marion and stepfather Rex were two men in his life that were helpful in every way with the new house along with his friends. They helped him build fireplaces, rock wall, fenced the property and extended a garage for David’s pride and joy Classic Cars. Dave loved CARS! Dave also enjoyed fishing, golfing, bowling, jukeboxes, pinball machines and his car collection. David loved working and learning about his various car collection over the years. In the mid 1980’s he changed jobs. David was offered a temporary job with Boulder County in 1985. It was less than a year and he was hired permanently. Finally, David had a secure job where he worked until he retired in 2013. The County was the best job he ever had.

During his retirement, David spent time doing all the things he loved most. He spent several winters in Arizona with his daughter and son-in-law, where they travelled to many places together. Some of those places included Palm Springs, San Diego, Sedona, Williams, Flagstaff, Death Valley, New York, Washington DC, Hawaii, Route 66, Phoenix, Tucson, Moab, Blackhills, Tombstone, Oatman, Lake Powell, Grand Canyon, Yuma and many trips to Mesquite, Lake Havasu, Las Vegas, Laughlin, and the Colorado River. When he was not travelling, he spent time with his other daughter and granddaughters. This included a lot of family time and watching many, many sporting events. From gymnastics, cheer, softball, dance, volleyball and swimming to all their school events. He enjoyed attending them all.

David was an avid walker and had many hobbies throughout his life that included boating, motorcycles, cars, fishing, bowling, building, collector, road trips and traveling. He also enjoyed sunshine and hanging in the pool, music/concerts, dancing, Mexican food, Cupcakes homemade cookies, old movies, war movies and history. He loved his family, and they loved him. He had many friendships throughout his life. As people come and go throughout our lives, David always had fond memories of you all as he would share those stories with a smile and laugh of times past.

David was preceded in death by his mother, Ann Griep. He is survived by his wife, Barbara Simmons (Cupcake) of Longmont, a daughter and her husband Cherie and Phil Crouch of Henderson, NV., a daughter Christine Havel and 2 beautiful granddaughters, Taylor and Maddie Havel of Erie, CO.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 11am Monday, October 17, 2022, at Howe Mortuary in Longmont, 439 Coffman St, 80501.

David built and gave his family an amazing life and we were so blessed and very grateful to God for the time he allowed us to be with him. David was a solid husband of 56+ years to his one and only beloved Cupcake, father, grandfather, father-in-law, friend and man. He will be deeply missed by everyone that was lucky enough to know him.

Heaven has a new Angel!