Richard was born on September 11, 1934 in Kansas City, Kansas to Jesse Avis Simmons and Edna Bilbrey Simmons. Richard married Lavine Walters on June 1, 1964 and they made their home in Kansas City before moving to Bonner Springs in 1978.
Richard retired from the United States Postal Office after 38.5 years. He especially enjoyed working on the mail train between Kansas City and Tulsa, Oklahoma for several years, as well as friendships with his coworkers. Richard liked boating on the Missouri river, and even though he could not swim, once took a kayak float trip from Kansas City to St. Louis with a friend. He enjoyed time with family, working around the home and watching western movies.
Richard was preceded in death by his son Richard Alan Simmons in 1994 and stepdaughter Cheryl Lawson in 2022. He was also preceded in death by his parents and four brothers: Wendell, Jesse, Melvin and Wayne Simmons.
He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Lavine Simmons, stepson Charles Boleware, four grand-children Cathy Tsagournos (Torri), Jennifer Deleon (Samuel), Ramsey Lawson (Melissa), Jacob Lawson (Mandy), great-grandchildren, sister Betty Powell and brother Jerry Simmons.
The visitation will be Friday February 3, 2023 at 10:00 am followed by Funeral Services at 11:00 am at Chapel Hill-Butler Funeral Home, 701 North 94th Street in Kansas City, Kansas. Burial to follow at Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.chapelhill-butler.com for the Simmons family.
