Bernie Darrell Simmons

He was born to parents Vernal Darrell Simmons and Margaret Irene Simmons (Dawson), on February 23, 1941 in Branch, Missouri.

Bernie graduated from Urbana High School in 1958. He moved to Kansas City where he went to an airline school, and then worked at Columbian Steel where he ended up being assistant manager in the engineer department. He then moved to Ford Motor Company where he retired at the Claycomo plant in 1991.

Bernie met Thelma Irene Johnson in 1967. They were married on April 28th, 1969 in Miami, Oklahoma. Together they raised 5 children: Robert Lee Simmons (Deceased), Daniel Emmitt Simmons (Deceased), Kimberly Sue Stimson (North Kansas City), Michele Rene Russell (Excelsior Springs), and Pamela Ann Westbrook (Overland Park).

He enjoyed camping, hunting, fishing, working on cars, helping others, spending time with his kids and grand kids, and traveling most of the 50 states with his wife after retirement. He loved the Lord and was faithful to take his kids to church as a member of Jericho Missionary Baptist Church. He was a member of McDonald’s Lodge in Independence and moved on to be a Shriner.

Bernie is survived by his daughters, Pam (Brandon) Westbrook, Kim Stimson and Michele Russell; sisters, Mollie (Dale) McPheeters, Margaret Allen, Helen Blakey, Katie (Jimmie) Moulder; brother, Keith Simmons; lots of grandkids, great grandkids, nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Thelma Irene Simmons; his parents, Darrell and Irene Simmons; sister, Treva Woodling; brothers, Newell Simmons and Vernal Simmons; and adopted sons, Robert and Danny Simmons.

A Visitation is scheduled for Friday, April 8th from 5-7 pm at Newcomer’s Noland Road Chapel at 509 S Noland Rd, Independence, MO 64050. The funeral will be held Saturday, April 9th at 11:00 am at Pleasant Grove Church, Macks Creek, MO. Richard Willis will officiate the ceremony.