Delbert Eugene Simmons

Delbert Eugene Simmons, age 91, passed away Monday, February 24, 2025 in Oklahoma City. He was born October 4, 1933 in Honey Grove, Texas to Chokum and Myrtle (Smith) Simmons. Delbert learned the value of hard work at the early age of 12 when he got his first job. His dedication to work continued throughout his life. He worked in management for retail stores and had an incredible talent for developing lifelong relationships with his customers. After retiring from the retail industry, he worked for 16 years as a professional Santa where his love for people and children grew even more. Delbert was also a talented photographer. Delbert was the photographer for children’s events at church and in the community. He was a member of the Oklahoma City Camera Club. He met his soulmate and best friend, Linda Leslie, on January 8, 1972 and they married on April 14, 1972. For the first 20 years of their marriage, they moved every five years or so before finally being able to put down roots in Oklahoma City, all though he was a true Texan at heart. Delbert was a long-time member of United Methodist Church of the Servant where his generosity and kindness were exemplified. He was very involved in missionary work in the community. Delbert and Linda went on many mission trips to Central America, and he was always recognized as Papa Noel. He was truly a man that never met a stranger. He was generous and loving without fail and will be incredibly missed by all the many lives he’s touched.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his son, Jeffery Simmons.

He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Linda Simmons of Oklahoma City; Son, Thomas Simmons of Oklahoma City; daughter, Kim Ditto of Ardmore; granddaughters and their husbands, Pamela and Wesley Moreland of Ada and Cheryl and Brian Jackson of Ardmore; as well as great grandchildren, Cooper, Jagger, and Ava; and Mary, the mother of Jeff and Kim.