Richard W. Simmons

Dick was born to Elmer and Hannah Simmons on January 12, 1935 and raised along with his brothers Allan, Clifford and sister, Janette in the Nile Valley with short moves to the Oregon coast and Spokane Valley while Elmer worked on Highway 101 and Geiger Field.

After graduating Naches Valley High School, he received his AA Art Degree in 1955 before joining the Marine Corps from 1956-1958 as an Illustrator prior to being honorably discharged. Dick loved Chinook Pass and the Nile Valley. This was the opportunity for him to start his long career with the Naches Ranger District, from which he retired after 27 years of service. During his time with the Forest Service, he planned numerous campgrounds still in use today, designed the visiting areas at the top of Chinook Pass, held the position of Fire Boss and worked tirelessly to protect our forest. He also served on many committees for the betterment of the community, these included, but not limited to: Yakima County Off-Road Vehicle Committee, Snowmobile Advisory Committee, and the Yakima Kittitas Resource Committee for 14 years on each and earned an award in 1985 for contributing 5000 hours to Search and Rescue.

His passion for the outdoors was evident in his love of fishing, hunting and mushroom picking in those “secret” spots that he knew like the back of his hand! He was a true outdoorsman and loved working outside. He also was an accomplished artist and illustrator, designing and drafting many projects.

Dick was married to Phyllis Olds from 1960 to 1973 adopting her daughter, Susie, followed by the birth of daughter, Ellen Simmons. On October 24, 1978, Dick married Carol Akin and added 2 more daughters to the family, Shelley McMickell and Michele Blevins. For 45 years, Dick and Carol loved going to the beach, casinos, becoming Grandparents and supporting each other and their family.

Dick is survived by his wife, Carol Simmons, daughters Ellen Simmons, Shelley McMickell (George Loran) and Michele Blevins (C.J.), Grandsons Tyler McMickell and Jesse Blevins (Megan), Granddaughter Rebecca Jordan (Tim) and Great-granddaughters Averi and Bailey Blevins. He is preceded in death by his parents, sister Janette, daughter Susan Simmons and grandson, Zach Loran.

Viewing will be on Thursday, December 14th from 4:00-7:30, with services on Friday, December 15th at 1:00 pm at Langevin El Paraiso Funeral Home, 1010 West Yakima Ave, Yakima WA. For those that are unable to attend, there will also be a Celebration of Life on Saturday, January 13th at 11:00 am at Nile Community Church, 60 Bedrock Lane, Naches WA.

To share a fond memory of Richard please visit www.lepfuneralhome.com