Dr. William W. "Bill" Simmons

Dr. William W. “Bill” Simmons, 93, of Evansville, IN, passed away at 8:42 p.m. on Friday, May 11, 2018, at Deaconess Gateway Hospital.

Bill was born April 3, 1925, in Evansville, IN to William Simmons, Sr. and Beatrice (Hughes) Simmons.  He graduated from Reitz High School in 1943, University of Evansville with a Pre-Optometry degree, and Southern College of Optometry – Memphis as a Doctor of Optometry. 

Dr. Simmons practiced optometry with partners, Dr. Murl Crowley and Dr. Roger Haywood, as Evansville Eyecare Associates for over forty-five years on Evansville’s downtown walkway. He was privileged to have many multigenerational families as patients.

His lifelong attendance and loyalty to his church, Trinity United Methodist Church, was reflected by his many roles in the life of the church. Dr. Simmons was a member of Trinity United Methodist Church over 60 years where he served as an usher 60+ years, Lay Leader 8 years, Certified Lay Speaker in the Evansville District 12 years, and Chairman of the Administrative Board 2 sessions.

He had many diverse interests through the years including lapidary, numismatics, gardening, golf, and writing. None of which he pursued seriously, but all of which became pleasant memories.

In addition to the practice of optometry, Dr. Simmons, along with his brother, Hughes, were involved in real estate investment and development properties.

Bill was a longtime member and past President of the Downtown Optimist Club.  He was a 67 year member of the Reed Masonic Lodge 316, Scottish Rite, and Hadi Shrine Temple.  Upon retirement, in appreciation of the many blessings he had received, he volunteered as a reader with the Radio Reading Service for the visually impaired and with the “Meals on Wheels” program where he was also on the Board of Directors and volunteered delivering meals. 

In later years he became increasingly appreciative of his many friends and family.

Bill is survived by daughter, Jennifer Althaus (Scott) of Newburgh, IN; sons, Jeffrey Simmons (Linda) and Stephen Simmons (Cheryl), both of Evansville, IN; brother, Hughes A. Simmons (Mary) of Evansville, IN; grandchildren, Jason, Aaron, and Ethan Althaus; granddaughters, Jamie Benefiel, Julie Lerner, and Alisabeth Bartlett; grandson, Josh Simmons; and 11 great grandchildren.  He has enjoyed the company of his companion, LeeAnn Stokley, over the past several years.

Bill is preceded in death by his parents; beloved wife of 66 years, Virginia (Stocking) Simmons; and daughter-in-law, Susan (Nurrenbern) Simmons.

Funeral Services will be held at 11 a.m., Wednesday, May 16, 2018 at Boone Funeral Home East Chapel – A Family Tradition Funeral Home, 5330 Washington Avenue.  Entombment will be in Oak Hill Mausoleum.

Friends may visit from 3 p.m. until 8 p.m., Tuesday, May 15, 2018 at BOONE FUNERAL HOME EAST CHAPEL.  Reed Masonic Lodge 316 will conduct a memorial service at 6 p.m.

Memorial Contributions may be made to:  Weekday Christian Education, 2001 Bayard Park Dr., Evansville, IN 47714; Meals on Wheels, 3700 Bellemeade Ave. #113, Evansville, IN 47714; or Trinity United Methodist Church, 216 SE 3rd St., Evansville, IN 47713.

Condolences may be made to the family online at boonefuneralhome.net

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