Glen Dwayne Simmons

Glen Dwayne (Smokey) Simmons went home to be with his Lord and Savior on Saturday, June 10, 2011, at the age of 84. He was born July 21, 1926, in Newkirk, Oklahoma to Leo E. Simmons and Ruth E. Jestes Simmons.

He is preceded in death by his parents and his younger brother, Capt. Leo E. Simmons, USAF, and many beloved aunts and uncles of Pawnee, Oklahoma.

Glen graduated from Ponca City High School in 1944, where he was a star member of the wrestling team; thus earning him the nickname "Smokey" when he smoked his opponent on the wrestling mat. He joined the Army at age 17 for training as a tail gunner.

In 1949, he married Ollie Mae (Teeny) Barnes. They moved to Dallas, where he worked for Jewel Tea. Upon coming back to Oklahoma, he continued to work in sales as a regional pharmaceutical rep and then spent several years at Oklahoma Tire and Supply, before switching sides of the desk and becoming a purchasing agent for Gulfstream Aerospace, earlier known as Aero Commander, where he retired in 1993.

Smokey Learned to love the lake at a young age as his parents were avid fishermen and his younger brother a semi-professional water skier. He passed the love of the water on to his six grandsons, who spent many hours swimming, fishing, and boating at Lake Eufaula with their grandpa.

He also enjoyed participating in coaching his own sons in little league sports at The Baptist Temple in Oklahoma City, where he and Teeny have been members for over 50 years. He was also a member of the Northwest Optimist Club and numerous booster clubs around the metro area, beginning at Northwest Classen, moving on to Putnam City Original, where he cheered on the pep club, wrestling and football teams, and last but certainly not least, followed the grandchildren to Bridge Creek and Edmond Memorial High Schools. Smokey always put on his "game" shirt and hat, for whatever team, marching band, or event he was watching.

His salvation was very important to him, and his faith in Jesus Christ helped him through some trying times in his life. He was a deacon at Baptist Temple. He and Teeny spent several of their retirement years helping to stock the food pantry and clothing closet.

They had many good times in Branson and enjoyed going on bus trips with close friends and family. They would have celebrated their 62nd wedding anniversary on August 13th.

Smokey is survived by his wife Teeny, 3 children Charles and Terri Simmons, Michael and Deborah Simmons, Atlanta, Ga, and Carol and Roger Melson. Six grandsons, Jason Simmons, Mr. and Mrs. Jeremy Simmons of Casper, Wyoming, Dr. and Mrs. Scott Melson, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, Mr. and Mrs. Jared Simmons, Drake Melson, St. Louis, Mo, and Brad Melson, brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Don and Fran Long of Ponca City, seven great granddaughters, and one great grandson, many nieces and nephews and longtime friends.

Smokey fought a courageous battle from respiratory and heart problems, until he heard Jesus calling: "Come unto me, all who are weary, and I will give you rest." Matthew 11:28.

The family held a small gathering, celebrating his life on Tuesday, June 14, and would like to thank Grace Living Center Edmond, Good Shepherd Hospice, and Hahn-Cook/ Street & Draper Funeral Home for their compassion and kindness.

Donations may be made to City Rescue Mission.

Arrangements under the direction of Hahn-Cook/Street & Draper Funeral Directors, Oklahoma City, OK.

Glen Dwayne (Smokey) Simmons went home to be with his Lord and Savior on Saturday, June 10, 2011, at the age of 84. He was born July 21, 1926, in Newkirk, Oklahoma to Leo E. Simmons and Ruth E. Jestes Simmons.

He is preceded in death by his parents and his younger brother, Capt. Leo E. Simmons, USAF, and many beloved aunts and uncles of Pawnee, Oklahoma.

Glen graduated from Ponca City High School in 1944, where he was a star member of the wrestling team; thus earning him the nickname "Smokey" when he smoked his opponent on the wrestling mat. He joined the Army at age 17 for training as a tail gunner.

In 1949, he married Ollie Mae (Teeny) Barnes. They moved to Dallas, where he worked for Jewel Tea. Upon coming back to Oklahoma, he continued to work in sales as a regional pharmaceutical rep and then spent several years at Oklahoma Tire and Supply, before switching sides of the desk and becoming a purchasing agent for Gulfstream Aerospace, earlier known as Aero Commander, where he retired in 1993.

Smokey Learned to love the lake at a young age as his parents were avid fishermen and his younger brother a semi-professional water skier. He passed the love of the water on to his six grandsons, who spent many hours swimming, fishing, and boating at Lake Eufaula with their grandpa.

He also enjoyed participating in coaching his own sons in little league sports at The Baptist Temple in Oklahoma City, where he and Teeny have been members for over 50 years. He was also a member of the Northwest Optimist Club and numerous booster clubs around the metro area, beginning at Northwest Classen, moving on to Putnam City Original, where he cheered on the pep club, wrestling and football teams, and last but certainly not least, followed the grandchildren to Bridge Creek and Edmond Memorial High Schools. Smokey always put on his "game" shirt and hat, for whatever team, marching band, or event he was watching.

His salvation was very important to him, and his faith in Jesus Christ helped him through some trying times in his life. He was a deacon at Baptist Temple. He and Teeny spent several of their retirement years helping to stock the food pantry and clothing closet.

They had many good times in Branson and enjoyed going on bus trips with close friends and family. They would have celebrated their 62nd wedding anniversary on August 13th.

Smokey is survived by his wife Teeny, 3 children Charles and Terri Simmons, Michael and Deborah Simmons, Atlanta, Ga, and Carol and Roger Melson. Six grandsons, Jason Simmons, Mr. and Mrs. Jeremy Simmons of Casper, Wyoming, Dr. and Mrs. Scott Melson, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, Mr. and Mrs. Jared Simmons, Drake Melson, St. Louis, Mo, and Brad Melson, brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Don and Fran Long of Ponca City, seven great granddaughters, and one great grandson, many nieces and nephews and longtime friends.