Tom Simmons Memorial Fund

Tom Simmons was a devoted and beloved husband, father, grandpa, brother, son, uncle and friend. Tom's light shone bright within every room he entered as he always made everyone in his presence feel important and as if they mattered, always, no matter who they were or what circumstance or situation he found them in.

Not only did Tom love his family fiercely and with every bit of himself, he too loved his Savior, Jesus. Tom was never shy to acknowledge his love of Jesus, the Bible and being able to spread the Word whenever appropriate and when he felt compelled. Tom had an effervescent spirit when he would be in a discussion about his faith and beliefs. It truly was one of the most beautiful characteristics about Tom. You could also hear the passion and conviction when he spoke, but he never pushed it upon anyone, he was just happy to have the conversation about a topic he so loved.

Tom was the youngest child of Tom Sr. and Patty Simmons, in the small town of Tyler, Texas. Tom was not afraid of hard work, a value instilled in him at a young age by his parents.

Tom married Francine Simmons in 2003. Having both been previously married, Tom and Francine each brought two daughters into their union; Rebecca, Katelyn, Danielle & Kaitlyn. They knew that a blended family could be challenging, but they were ready to tackle the world as their new, whole, family unit. Tom was a caring, hardworking, loving provider for his daughters. That love and care only expounded once he became a Grandpa to his five "K's" as they are adoringly called; Kaylee, Kendal, Kamryn, Khloe & Kennedy. You could see the love and admiration those girls had for their Grandpa everytime they were near each other.

Tom was a man of great horticulture talents! His yard was always pristine and his plants and flowers always looked beautiful, even during points of the year when flowers typically would look sad and dreary, Tom's didn't. Don't even get me started on his hydrangeas! I always thought of Tom as Sam from Holes, the Mr. "I can fix it" guy, but with gardening. I would tell him that I really liked a plant, but it was dying or close to the brink and his literal response would be "don't worry, I can fix it". Sure enough, Tom would be there within a day or two, outside making sure our plants were in the best pots, with the most access to the appropriate amount of sun for the day.

On Saturday, October 23, 2021 Tom left for a bike ride in the evening and went missing. He was found on Tuesday, October 26, 2021. The outcome was unfavorable, but we know that Tom is now whole and at peace at home with the Lord.

The family will be going through the roughest season of life in the coming months. There will be so many expenses that they were not prepared for at this time, so many plans to be made and things to get done. Anything you can gift to help bless my aunt and her family during this time would be very much appreciated.

Please pray for peace of mind, heart and health for my aunt, cousins and all extended family during this time of grieving and healing.

Tom will forever remain a ray of light in our lives and memories.