Robert P. Simm

Mr. Robert Paul Simm, 83 years of age, passed away in the early morning hours on Sunday, January 25th, 2026, at the Ambrosio Guillen Texas State Veterans’ Home in El Paso, Texas. Bob faced and battled a lengthy illness which ultimately claimed his life. Bob faced several health challenges with a fierce determination and unwavering positivity. He engaged with life as if it were an ongoing challenge and he usually was very successful at conquering his challenges.

Mr. Robert Simm was born in Bogalusa, Louisiana, which is in southeastern Louisiana. Bogalusa means muddy waters. He was the eldest son of his parents Alfred and Aimee Simm.

Robert was a proud Louisianan native. Louisiana State University was second only to heaven in his estimation. Mr. Simm was exceptionally intelligent and loved learning. He earned his Eagle Scout rank at age 13. His father described how Bob would become “fighting mad” if he didn't make an A in a subject. Mr. Simm graduated from Bogalusa High School. He then attended Louisiana Tech where he earned a B.A. in History.

Robert was drafted into the U.S. Army in 1966 where he became an infantry officer serving in Vietnam. He attended Officer Candidate School at Fort Benning, Georgia, near Columbus, Georgia. Bob earned the rank of 1st Lieutenant. He was injured in combat twice, the more serious occurring while he was on patrol after stepping on a booby trap and being propelled 10 feet up in the air. When he was not cleared for further combat, he had a long period of convalescence in Okinawa, Japan and was then sent to Fort Bliss, Texas, at the original William Beaumont Army Medical Hospital. He was sent to WBAMC because it was the best army orthopedic facility, plus it was the closest big Army hospital near his home of record of Bogalusa, Louisiana.

After a period of rehabilitation, he became an Infantry Company Commander at Fort Polk, Louisiana and taught guerrilla warfare. He fought, or was opposed to it, but eventually he was medically retired. Unwillingly, he had to give up his military career and transition to civilian life.

Robert was decorated by the two generals who were in charge of the Armed Forces in Vietnam. He was decorated by four-star General Creighton Abrams and four-star General William Westmoreland. He was especially proud of this distinction and did not hesitate to share telling others of this great honor.

Bob returned to Louisiana Tech University where we met in the summer of ’69. He enrolled at Loyola Law School in the fall of 1969. He graduated from Loyola with his Juris Doctorate in June of 1972 and easily passed his bar exam. We married in June of 1972 and honeymooned in the Tulane Law Library because he was taking a bar review course called “Bridging the Gap.”

Mr. Simm served 20 years in federal civil service as the Procurement Attorney at White Sands Missile Range, as well as serving as the Labor Lawyer at Fort Bliss, Texas. At some of his workplaces he was dubbed “The Whiz.” He worked for the federal government as an attorney until the age of 72 ½.

Bob's most remarkable traits were his sense of humor, his love for joking, and his enthusiasm for sports, hunting, and fishing. He loved cooking, especially Cajun cuisine and Stuffed Bell Peppers. He loved all things LSU.

Halloween was his favorite holiday where he spared nothing! At his Halloween prime, he would have 400+ trick or treaters. His yard decorations were the most elaborate and celebrated in the entire neighborhood. Once, the fire department sent out a truck and some of the firefighters offered to manage the crowd for us! He also enjoyed writing short stories and poems about his war experiences. He had a poem titled, “The War Shirt,” which was published by Reader’s Digest. He was quite the gifted wordsmith.

Bob's family includes me, Beverly Hillier Simm, his wife of 53 ½ years. His daughters are Heather Allen of Plano, Texas and her husband Arthur Allen and his daughter Katherine Favela of El Paso, Texas and her husband Ethan. He was the proud grandfather of five lovely granddaughters Mia, Valentina, Genevieve, Noelle and Madeline. His parents Alfred and Aimee are deceased. His brothers are Alfred James “Jimmy” of Mississippi and David of Kohlberg, Germany. Bob was close to our cousin- in- law Ms. Carol Hillier of Bogalusa, Louisiana. One Christmas, Carol gifted Bob a beautiful blue puffy jacket which, hands down, became his favorite article of clothing. One time I lost Bob at the Veterans’ clinic. I reported our separation to the security guard, and it wasn't long before the security guard led him to me because he had recognized the infamous blue jacket which I had described he was wearing.

Robert had a host of cousins, nephews, and one niece, Robin Copeland. Bob loved to tell stories about adventures with his cousins, even including boiling crawfish in a garbage can in his Aunt Hilda's kitchen in Baton Rouge. For most of our family, Bob was their hero due to his military accomplishments. If Bob were here with us today, we would not be able to get a word in edgewise! He was a talker and his stories were lengthy and colorful. One of Bob's last meaningful conversations was with his nephew, Rusty Thompson. Bob loved to entertain and was hospitable. He was instructing us to show Rusty and his wife Anne a good time by taking them to a “top” Mexican restaurant when they came to visit.

Bob was so proud of his military brothers in arms. He attended a few military reunions and talked with his comrades until he lost his voice. He lived a rich life and made his presence felt everywhere he went. On behalf of Bob, today I encourage you to let the good times roll!

There are so many people we wish to thank who were committed to caring for Bob during his illness: Dr. Rose, Chief of Podiatry at El Paso VA, Dr. Daniel Kasuga, retina specialist, Dr. Chitti, nephrologist, Dr. James Lee, neurosurgeon who performed a five-hour neurosurgery on Bob in July of 2025, and the three infectious disease physicians at William Beaumont Army Medical Center, Dr. Moody, Lt. Colonel Perkins, and Lt. Colonel Nathan Jansen.

Especially vital to both Bob and me was Mr. Earl Whetstone who provided a whole litany of helping actions. He accompanied us on numerous medical appointments and provided physical assistance, moral support, and encouragement throughout this difficult journey. Earl and Bob were brothers from a different mother.

Additionally, Brother John Taylor and Brother Rudy DeSoto from Hillcrest Baptist Church were invaluable for their spiritual guidance, prayers, and reinforcement. This was of the upmost importance to the both of us.

Bob was frequently iconic in the way he expressed himself. For example, on this past Veterans Day when the nurses encouraged him to get up so he could be honored for his service, Bob halfway opened one eye and replied, “I have served enough and now I want to be left alone and sleep!”

No argument about it, Bob was a true warrior, and he has definitely earned his eternal rest. He proved what he was made of and demonstrated it for us all to see. We who knew Bob best are certain that our Father God in heaven is taking good care of him now.

A Rosary will be held on February 9, 2026, at 11:30 a.m. with a Funeral Mass at 1:00 p.m. at Christ the Savior Catholic Church, 5301 Wadsworth Ave, El Paso, Texas, 79924.

Graveside Service with Full Military Honors to follow at Fort Bliss National Cemetery, 5200 Fred Wilson Ave, El Paso, TX, 79906.