Arthur R. Simmons, 83 of Buna, TX died on December 21, 2019. Born on August 29, 1936 in Newton, TX, Arthur had lived in Buna since the 1990’s. A 1954 graduate of Newton High School, he played football while attending Blinn Jr. College in Brenham TX. Travel was different in the mid 50’s, as he would hitch hike the 200 miles back to Newton to visit Patsy Herrin, his high school sweetheart. They married in 1956. Arthur first went to work at Bethlehem Steel before joining Texaco Port Arthur Refinery, where he had a lifelong career as a Laboratory Supervisor. Along the way, Arthur was very industrious in many endeavors – he served in the U. S. Army Reserves, roofed houses, remodeled interiors, and owned S&S Pest Control. Arthur and Patsy settled in Bridge City, TX. After proudly raising three boys, they moved to Buna, TX, operating “Camp Buna” for their grandchildren – where the Dr. Pepper flowed freely, showers were optional, and various games were the main event of the day. Patsy passed away in 2013.
After the death of Patsy, Arthur was blessed with the companionship of Mae Pharris, her wonderful family, and his four-legged friend Sugar. Arthur had a ready smile and a tease for all he met. Friends and family brought abundant happiness to Arthur – playing 10,000 with Mae, Willie, Theresa, Roger and other gamers. Arthur and Mae truly enjoyed doing many things with Willie and Theresa.
Arthur was preceded in death by mother and father Nova and Troy Simmons of Newton, TX, Patsy, his wife of 57 years, and sister Eunice Medley of Vidor, TX. Arthur is survived by his sons Art and wife, Amy of League City, TX; Richard Simmons and wife, Elizabeth of Winnie, TX; Paul Simmons and wife Eunice of Waco, TX; sister-in-law and brother-in-law Mabel and Bobby Richter of Opelousas, LA; 10 grandchildren, 15 great grandchildren, and 7 great-great grandchildren along with a number of nieces and nephews.
Visitation is scheduled for Saturday, December 28, 2019 from 5 to 7 pm at Smith Funeral Home in Newton, TX. Funeral service will be held on Sunday, December 29, 2019 at 2 pm at the Smith Funeral Home in Newton, TX. Burial will follow at Bleakwood Cemetery.
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