Wesley "Wes" Wayne Simmons, Sr.

Wesley "Wes" Wayne Simmons, Sr, age 71, beloved father and "Pa", passed peacefully through the gates of Heaven on January 7, 2023, two weeks after a lung cancer diagnosis that had metastasized throughout his body. Born in Dallas, Texas in 1951, he was the third of four children born to his parents James Lewis Simmons & Hazel Alnora McMillan, but was the third of six children born to his father James and the seventh of eight children born to his mother Hazel. 

He was a resident of Dallas County, Texas for most of his life, only having lived outside of Texas for a short period of time while in high school in Santa Cruz, California. After his discharge from the Air Force he married his first wife Teresa A. Brannon in 1974 and from this marriage a daughter, Shannon M. Simmons was born. After their divorce, he married his second wife Frances E. Jurden in 1981 and from this marriage a son, Wesley W. Simmons, Jr. was born. Into this blended family, Frances brought two children from a previous marriage, Jeromey and Brandee Downey, with whom he loved so very dearly and was very close to. After their divorce in 2009, he married one more time to which a divorce for that marriage was finalized in 2016. He moved to Tarrant County, Texas in 2016 and remained there for the rest of his life.

He was a dedicated and hard worker, a multi skilled laborer in different areas of employment throughout his lifetime, but worked a majority of time at his oldest brother Joe's appliance shop as an appliance repair and deliveryman throughout different times in his life. He retired in 2013 due to the residual effects of a neck injury and had been living a happy and comfortable life ever since. He was very dedicated to his family and loved them very much, always making sure we were all taken care of, oftentimes putting his own well being aside and working long hours. He had a great sense of humor, that if you could crack through that tough/shy exterior,  he would talk your ear off once you got to know him. While he didn't have any hobbies throughout his life or in his later years, he loved watching The Three Stooges, Perry Mason and other older shows from his younger years.

Those left behind to mourn his passing are his children (4), grandchildren (11) and great grandchildren (16):

Mrs. Shannon M. Birks & husband Mark, Ms. Madison Birks (& fiance Trevor Sullivent) and Mr. Caleb Birks; 

Mr. Wesley W. Simmons, Jr. & wife Veronica, Mrs. Mercedes Spielbauer & husband Alex (with their 5 children), Mr. Wesley W. Simmons, III & wife Aleckxus (with their child), Ms. Marissa Simmons (with her 2 children) and Jeremiah Simmons;

Mr. Jeromey D. Downey, Sr. & wife Jennifer, Mr. Jeromey Downey, Jr. & wife Britney (with their 2 children), Mr. Jordan Downey & wife Synclair (with their 2 children) and Ms. Summer Downey (with her child);

Ms. Brandee R. Downey, Mr. Colton Craker (with his child) and Ms. Paige Craker (with her 2 children);

Brother Mr. Coy S. Simmons (born Hurley) & wife Melvina, sister-in-law Mrs. Juanita "Nita" Simmons (wife of Joe), numerous nephews and nieces, and special mention of his niece Tammy Simmons Meddock with whom he was very close to all his life.

He was preceded in death by both his parents James - 2006 and Hazel - 2000; siblings Joe D. Simmons (born Hurley) - 2020, Jackie D. Moon - 1964, Deloris V. Moon - 1986, James L. Simmons, Jr. - 1962, Jimmie D. Simmons - 2018 & Deborah B. G. Simmons Naylor- 2010, as well as two siblings from his father's second marriage Troy A. Simmons - 2022 and Sharon N. Simmons McKeever - 1977.

Wesley's family would like to express their deepest thanks and gratitude to the doctors, nurses and staff at JPS Hospital for the amazing care given to him in his last two weeks. He will be missed by all who loved him and remain in our hearts forever!

A memorial service will be held Wednesday, January 18, 2023, at 11:00 a.m. at Christ Chapel Bible Church in the Oak Room of the Link building, 3701 Birchman Ave, Fort Worth, TX 76107. In lieu of flowers please make donations to Meals on Wheels of Fort Worth at the following website - https://mealsonwheels.org/donate/ in memory of Wesley W. Simmons Sr.