Peter C Simmon

Peter C. Simmon passed away Saturday, October 15, 2005 at a local hospital. Services will be at 2:00 pm, Tuesday, October 18, at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church with Brad St. Romain and Rev. Frank Mangum officiating. Burial will follow at Oakwood Cemetery. Visitation with the family will be from 5:00 – 7:00 pm, Monday, October 17 at the Wilkirson-Hatch-Bailey Funeral Home, 6101 Bosque Blvd. Mr. Simmon was born December 27, 1918 in Rock Island, IL. to Josephine Schneider and Harrison Boggess Simmon. He attended Rock Island High School and went on to graduate from the University of Illinois with a B.S. degree in Mechanical Engineering. While in college, he was appointed Cadet Captain in the Field Artillery Unit and entered the military service after graduation. At the beginning of World War II as a 2nd Lieutenant, he came to Waco as one of the first officers to help build Waco Army Flying School which is now known as Texas State Technical College. While in Waco, he met and married Billie Daniel. In 1946, he was sent to the Philippines, then to Japan where he helped construct Hanada Air Base. After the war, Pete settled in Waco and started a floor covering business and began many years of participation and leadership in his adopted community. The Rotary Club, Waco Historic Foundation, Cotton Palace and a host of other organizations have benefited from his dedication and timeless input. He received a presentation in 2002 from The Grand Lodge of Texas for his membership as a Mason for sixty years. Above all, he was a committed member of St. Paul’s Episcopal Church where he taught confirmation classes for 17 years, served in the prison ministry and served in every capacity in which a lay person could serve. Pete will be remembered as a participant who enriched his entire community. He was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers and son, Greg. He is survived by his wife, Billie; daughter Terry and her husband, Terry Defibaugh; son, Randall and wife Marilyn; grandchildren, Marlo and David Wilks; grandson, Blake Simmon; great-grandchildren, Jackson and Katelin Wilks and special friend, Henry Dietz. The family suggest memorials be made to St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, Waco Historic Foundation or to the charity of your choice. The family invites you to leave a message or memory in our “Memorial Guestbook” at www.wilkirsonhatchbailey.com. Wilkirson-Hatch-Bailey