Herbert Lee Simmons

Herbert Lee Simmons was born October 22, 1927 in Taft, Oklahoma. He was the 4th of 14 children and 1st son born to Hubert and Modest Simmons. Herbert was the only boy for several years and spent a lot of time doing chores on the family farm, but he enjoyed playing various sports in his free time. He received his formal education from Taft Public Schools. Herbert accepted Christ at an early age while attending Flipper Chapel AME Church with his family.

As a teenager, Herbert left Taft and came to Kansas City to live with his oldest sister Janie, against his mother’s wishes. Herbert was so determined to live outside of his small hometown, that when his mother brought him back home to Taft, Herbert left and come right back to Kansas City. This happened at least twice before Herbert enlisted in the US Army, preventing him from having to return. Herbert served his country toward the end of World War II for one term before being honorably discharged.

Herbert made Kansas City his permanent home following his military service. On June 14, 1947, Herbert married Jeanette Watson, and to this union 5 children were born. Herbert and Jeanette remained married for 15 years prior to the marriage being dissolved. Herbert later married Mary Ann Lewis on November 23, 1964 and welcomed 4 additional children to his family. Herbert was a loving and devoted husband and father.

Herbert held various jobs prior to beginning a career at Swift meat packing plant in 1950. Herbert was a diligent employee, and even spent some time commuting to St. Louis to work. He also often held part time jobs doing custodial work in addition to working full time at Swift. Herbert retired from Swift after 40 years of service, however he did not stay out of the work force for long. Just 2 years after retiring from Swift, Herbert began working as a part time custodian at Wells Fargo. Herbert continued working for the company through its transition to Loomis Fargo, for a total of 20 years, before finally re-retiring only after his doctor insisted that he stop working due to his health.

Herbert was a faithful member of First AME Church for over 50 years, and tirelessly served in several auxiliaries until his health began to fail. Herbert served on the bus ministry, FAME Security, Men’s Chorus, FAME Outreach Ministry, Men of FAME, and Steward Board. Herbert was a regular driver for the youth and Missionaries, and frequently transported visiting clergy. Herbert was always in the kitchen on Easter Sunday morning, or whenever the Men of FAME were called upon to cook breakfast. He also enjoyed working alongside his wife, Mary Ann, when preparing and serving food for bereaved families and the Wilhemina-Gill Food Kitchen. In addition, the couple assisted with picking up monthly Harvester’s donations for the church pantry and distributing food to families in need. In 2006, Herbert was a Friends of Yates Black Men & Women of Distinction honoree for his outstanding community service. He was also named a Steward Emeritus at First AME in 2007.

In his 93 years of life Herbert touched many lives through his service to others, but there was nothing more important to him than serving the Lord. After a lengthy illness, On Saturday December 26, 2020 the Lord called his servant home. Herbert was preceded in death by his parents Hubert and Modest Simmons; 6 sisters, Janie B. Jackson, Wilma Wallace-Griffith, Geneva Andy, Earnestine Williams, Ruby Simmons and Vacie Mae Finch; 5 brothers (1 deceased at birth), Joe Caesar Simmons, John Simmons, Hosie Simmons and Willie Simmons; 1 son, Herbert “Ronnie” Simmons; and 1 grandson, Donovan Lee Phillips. He leaves to cherish his memory, his loving wife of 56 years, Mary Ann Simmons, of the home; 5 sons, Harold Lee Simmons (Doris) and Michael Simmons, both of Kansas City, KS, Bishop Joseph Simmons of Oakland, CA, Carlton “Corky” Lewis (Aretha), and Curtis Jones, both of Kansas City, MO; 3 daughters, Edith Diane Simmons of Kansas City, KS, Iveda Shah and LaTanya Simmons, both of Kansas City, MO; 1 daughter-in-law Reba Simmons of Overland Park, KS; 1 son in love Tyrone Fulks of Kansas City, KS; 2 brothers, Andrew (Arcena) Simmons of Tulsa, OK and Joseph Simmons of Detroit, MI; 23 grandchildren, 45 great-grandchildren, 1 great great-granddaughter, a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends.