Mike proudly graduated from the Air Force Academy in 1966 with a BS in Engineering Science. He then attended graduate school at Purdue, graduating in 1967 with an MS in Astronautics.
Mike served his country with honor as an officer in the Air Force from 1966 until he retired from service in 1987 as a Lieutenant Colonel. He spent the first part of his military career as an astronautical engineer and the latter part as a scientific analyst. During his Air Force career, Mike earned many commendations, including AF Longevity Service Award Ribbon with five Oak Leaf Clusters, National Defense Service Medal, AF Training Ribbon, AF Commendation Medal with one Oak Leaf Cluster, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, and the Meritorious Service Medal. After retiring from the military, Mike continued to work in the private sector as an analyst until he retired from SRA International.
Outside of work, Mike was always building something, and it always turned out perfectly. He built the barn in his backyard, the toolshed, a sun shelter for the horses and an iguana cage – just to name a few of the bigger projects. He was also a talented cake decorator. He made many beautiful anniversary cakes decorated with pink icing roses. He decorated with butter cream frosting the likes of Cookie Monster, Winnie the Pooh, Santa Claus and many horses that he drew freehand using Breyer horses as models. Mike was also an avid photographer. He had a Canon with a case full of lenses and he even had his darkroom in the basement when he lived in Virginia. Mike loved animals. He spent many weekends and evenings caring for a menagerie of horses, ponies, cats and donkeys over the years.
Above all else, Mike was an honest and loyal person who loved his family. His children remember him teaching them how to take photos, decorate cakes, ride bicycles, roller skate and body surf. They enjoyed building sandcastles with him on their many family beach vacations. He helped with the hard homework like Fortran and physics. He taught them how to drive, then later taught them how to buy a car and take out a loan. Mike and Linda became regulars in Las Vegas, often coming home with more money than they left with - Mike just had to be careful not to count cards! They loved to go to shows and attend concerts in Vegas, especially Jimmy Buffet. They spent countless hours together walking the strip, people watching, visiting the casinos and playing slot machines. During his last visit to Vegas, Mike won a sizeable jackpot at Bellagio and returned home elated.
He was preceded in death by, his parents; and his brother, Larry Simmons. Michael is survived by his wife of 59 years and 5 months, Linda Simmons; his children, Michelle Simmons, and Christopher Michael Simmons (Julie Liu); his brothers, Charles Simmons, and Robert Simmons; his sister, Cathy Holcomb; numerous nieces and nephews; and extended loving family members.
The family will receive friends from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., on Wednesday, August 12, 2026, at Porter Loring Mortuary North, 2102 N Loop 1604 E, San Antonio, TX.
A Funeral service will be held on Thursday, August 13, 2026, at 12:00, at Porter Loring Mortuary North.
Interment to follow at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery.
