Thomas Anthony Simmons Jr's Obituary
Thomas Anthony Simmons Jr.
1/16/28 - 2/13/16
Thomas Anthony Simmons JR. was born on January, 16th 1928 in Tacoma, WA to Thomas A. Simmons Sr. and Violet M. Simmons. He had a younger sister Noreen (Mike Oltman), niece and nephews, Dennis, Lynn and Gary. He was devotedly married to Helen Simmons for 50 years. He cherished his 3 daughters Jeanie, Monica and Joanna.
Jeanie Simmons (Robert Kalamakis), grandchildren Travis Kalamakis (Katie),great grandchildren Payton and Tyson; Leah Kalamakis (Mathieu Franceschi).
Monica Potucek (John), grandchildren Maleah Ahrens (Chad), great grandchildren Carter, Hallee and Chase; Rachel Miletich (Ryan), great grandchildren Amaia, Myles and Isaac; Lisa Schrader (Chad), great grandchild Lucy.
Joanna Jones (Brad), grandchildren Marian Robey, great grandchildren Max and Kate, Gaven Jones (Andrea) great grandchild Eli, Spencer Jones (Ashley Peterson), Nick Jones (Venessa Cadungug).
Tom was raised living in Oakland and Fircrest, attending Jason Lee and graduating from Lincoln High School in 1946. He attended Tacoma Vocational School where he studied architecture and drafting. He was a star athlete playing football and baseball. He bowled weekly from age 10 to age 87. After retirement, Tom golfed at Madrona Links in Gig Harbor where he considered his golfing buddies his second family.
Tom was proud to serve his country as a Marine up until he was honorably discharged. He continued to support the Veterans throughout his life. He had a successful career in auto mechanics, starting at Shell Security Service, transitioning to BF Goodrich and retiring as a service writer at Gilchrist Buick.
Tom was a humble and resilient man. He lost the love of his life in 2000, beat three primary cancers, and a major foot surgery. He continued to live a healthy, independent, active lifestyle by golfing 3-4 days a week, traveling (especially enjoying Hawaii), and spending quality time with his family and their many activities. He was a proud Native American and elder of the Nisqually Tribe. He especially loved his relatives (Roger, John and cousin Barbara.) and became more active in the tribe in his later years. Tom enjoyed Elk hunting, fishing, camping, and gardening throughout his life; however it was his family and his passion for the game of golf that kept him amazingly youthful.
Last Saturday, February 13, 2016 Tom participated in a golf tournament where it turned out to be his “last round”. Later that evening, he passed away of natural causes in his own home, right where he wanted to be. He will be missed in so many ways...
Memorial Service 1:00pm Tuesday, February 23 at the Aspen Chapel in the Mountain View Celebration of Life Center, immediately followed by a reception in the Willow Room. if you wish to make a donation in honor of Tom, choose your favorite veterans charity.
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