Robert "Bob" Simons

Robert Francis Simons “Bob” passed away in his sleep July 6, 2015, at the age of 93. Bob was born January 29, 1922, to Walter and Elizabeth Simons in Wabaunsee County KS. He was the oldest of nine children. He joined The Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) at the age of 17 in 1939, serving for 18 months. He joined the Navy in May 1941 at the age of 19. He served our country for six years as a Machinist Mate 3rd Class serving on the USS Lowry and USS Tulsa during WWII. Upon discharge in 1947, he returned home to Topeka KS. Bob worked at Goodyear Tire and Rubber Co. for one year before leaving to work at KPL/Westar from 1948-1985. He worked at Tecumseh Energy Center for 30 years before transferring to Jeffrey Energy Center where he retired as Foreman. He met the love of his life, Charlotte Belle Blossom, shortly after returning to Topeka, and they were married November 15, 1947. She preceded him in death in November 1974. He married Louise Hornecker in June 1975. She preceded him in death in September 1998. He was also preceded in death by his son, Jack, October 1997; step-son, Jerry and siblings, Peggy, Bud, Katie and Annie. He is survived by daughters, Kathy Ayres (Jim) Ft. Worth TX, Patti Esser (Jim) Meriden KS, Gerianne Wise (Randy) Leander TX, Jill Simons Topeka KS; son Pat Simons (Vicki) Meriden KS; daughter-in-law Chris Simons-Riggles (Craig) Topeka KS; step-daughters, Sue Smith (Rob) Etna OH and Thea Walstrom (Dan) Platte City MO, eight grandchildren, eight step-grandchildren and 20 great-grandchildren; brother, Jim Simons (Rosemary); sisters, Jessie Russell, Eleanor Slusser (Gordon) Topeka KS, and Alice Bauer, Glendale AZ; sister-in-law, Mary Anne Blossom, Omaha NE and many nieces and nephews. Bob was a member of Holy Name Catholic Church and Mother Teresa of Calcutta Church. He enjoyed spending time with his family, family vacations and camping trips, hunting, traveling, and time at the casino. Bob will lie in state noon to 6 p.m. Thursday at Kevin Brennan Family Funeral Home, 2801 SW Urish Rd, Topeka KS 66614, where the family will greet friends from 6-8 p.m., with a parish rosary at 7:30 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. on Friday at Mother Teresa of Calcutta Catholic Church, 2014 NW 46th St, Topeka KS 66618. Interment will follow at Mount Calvary Cemetery with military honors. The family suggests memorial contributions be given to Wounded Warriors Project, P.O. Box 758517, Topeka KS 66675

Robert "Bob" Simons

January 29, 1922 - July 6, 2015