Don R. Simmons

Don Raymond Simmons, 83, died unexpectedly on May 29, 2022, in San Angelo, Texas after a lengthy battle with COPD. He was born May 19, 1939, in Bethel, Texas, the son of Claude Raymond and Myrll Gladys Crockett Simmons.

Don could accomplish anything he set his mind to do and graduated from Ballinger High School in 1957. He went on to join the Army National Guard where he served honorably for several years.

He worked at Armco National Supply for over 30 years before his retirement. He went on to work for Chicago Northwestern Railroad hauling coal. He was later promoted to train conductor where he was very well-liked by all his peers. He married Jo Ann Stone from Texas and had two children.  Don later moved back to Ballinger to care for his sick mother until her death.

Don was a loyal member of the Moose Lodge for many years where he served as President. He was also very much involved with his community. He volunteered his time at the local flower shop to help with the day-to-day operations. He enjoyed growing flowers and was considered to have a Green thumb. He also sat on the Evergreen Cemetery Board of Directors for many years. He would always donate blood for his community to help those in need. It didn’t matter where you went in Ballinger everyone loved and respected him and he was considered a pillar of the Ballinger Community.

A great father to Donetta and Joe and was always kind and caring to all his family. He always remembered birthdays, holidays, and special events and would send his famous “Deer Jerky” which was the highlight for the kids during the holidays. Always instrumental in helping his children and assisting the family with whatever they needed.

He is survived by his two children Joe and Donetta. His brother Tom Simmons and wife Sherry of San Angelo. He leaves behind grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews.

He will be truly missed by his family, friends, and the Ballinger Community.

A memorial service will be held for Don on Wednesday, June 15 ^th at 10:00 am at Lange Funeral Home in Ballinger, Texas.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Evergreen Cemetery Association in Don’s name.

The family wishes to thank Alvin Hallmark and Kevin Duke for their lifelong friendship with Don, and also his Nurse Practitioners, Anna Augustin and Rachel Reyes for their care over the years.