Lawson Wayne Simmons, 86, of Hot Springs, Arkansas passed away on Monday, April 17, 2023 in his home surrounded by his family. He was born in Goose Creek, Texas on May 30, 1936 to the late Olen Simmons and Anna Bell Simmons (Golden).
Lawson married young and had two beautiful daughters that he adores from his first marriage. In 1967 he married the love of his life, Diane. They spent a wonderful 56 years together and just celebrated that on April 14, 2023. Together they had 4 children, 3 of which were triplets.
Lawson served in the Military for 22 Years where he earned the rank of Chief Petty Officer E8 and retired from The United States Navy in 1975. He spent his time on Naval ships and traveled the world as a radioman/high-speed telegrapher and even served on the USS John F. Kennedy. In 1999 Lawson retired from working at the United States Postal Service after 23 years. As a Letter Carrier he took the mission to heart and went above and beyond. He looked out for the elderly and disabled and brought light and help to all he encountered. He was a proud member of Westminster Presbyterian Church and The National Association of Letter Carriers.
In 1976 he built his home in Royal, Arkansas where he spent his retirement. He was a lifelong learner and loved to watch National Geographic and the History Channel. Lawson loved to cook and BBQ for his family any chance he could get. “Only here you can get food like this!” he would say.
Lawson was a gentle giant who loved his family and friends and all who met him. He instilled in his children compassion, service and unconditional love. He was their Top Gun and they will miss his salutes and many stories of his military career. He was loved by his community, his family, and friends. His legacy lives on through his entire family and all those he touched.
He is preceded in death by his parents, twin sister Lucy Simmons and her husband Daniel, and his brother Tommy Simmons and wife Lonnel.
Lawson is survived by his wife Diane Simmons; Children Tamara Miller Lack (Steve), Timmie A. Beasley, Cassie Mock (Wade), Kristi Gerbes (Jody), Lisa Crymes (Clay), and Travis Simmons (Amy); Siblings Timmie Jean Lindsey, and Toby Simmons (Peggy); Grandchildren Sean Beasley, Alicia Markham (Chris), Logan Miller, Darcey Miller Dillard (David), Kennedi Culp (Walker), Abigail Mock, Samuel Simmons, Maddy Rose Simmons, Henry Simmons, Jackson Gerbes, Elle Gerbes, and Kate Crymes,; Great Grandchildren Ashtyn Beasley, Kalee Markham, and Karlee Markham; Great -Great-grandchild Samuel Garcia.
The family would like to send a special thank you to Elite Hospice and nurse Stephanie Wehunt as well as Visiting Angels Tarri Barrow.
Serving as pallbearers are Travis Simmons, Wade Mock, Jody Gerbes, Clay Crymes, Sam Simmons, Jackson Gerbes, Henry Simmons and Walker Culp.
A visitation will be held on Saturday, April 22, 2023 at Westminster Presbyterian Church starting at 10:00 am with a funeral service starting at 11:00 am. After, there will be a graveside service at Mazarn Chapel Cemetery on Mt. Moriah Road in Bonnerdale. The church will be holding a reception after the graveside service for friends and family.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.grossfuneralhome.com for the Simmons family.
