Date Of Birth: April 25, 1928
Date Of Death: February 10, 2007
Kenneth Leslie Simmons, 78, of Carmel, peacefully passed Saturday, February 10th, 2007 in his residence. Ken was born in Loughborough, England on April 25, 1928, the son of the late George and Annie (Whitcroft) Simmons. He served in the British Navy for three years. Ken’s hobbies and passions were the Colts, golf, woodworking, reading, and of course, all of his family. "His death is our great loss, knowing him is our greatest gift." Beloved husband of Sylvia Simmons; loving father of son John (Susan) Simmons; three grandchildren, Christopher (Heather) Simmons, Sarah (John) Rose, and Shane (Misty) Rees; six great grandchildren, Meghan, Lauren, Caitlyn, Brooklynne, Savannah, and Madysen; and brother, Stuart Simmons are among his survivors.Memorial Service will be held at St. Christopher’s Episcopal Church, Carmel, IN at 3:00 PM on Friday, February 16th, with celebration of his life starting one hour prior. In lieu of flowers, family request memorial contributions to the American Cancer Society or St. Vincent’s Hospice.
Mark Hanson says
Just want to say how sad The Hanson’s from Barrow feel at the loss of Uncle Ken.
Aunty Sylv and he (My god parents) took a brave decision to move to the states from Loughborough when I was only a few months old, but they always kept in touch as if they were still just the few miles from us.
It was great to finally go visit them in the fall of 2002 on my mammouth tour of the eastern side of the states.
I’ve had a word with my father (died Jan 1st 1992) to expect Uncle Ken and to get the pints in. May you rest in peace and your god be kind to you.
Faithfully your nephew and god son
Mark Hanson
John Rose says
I have known Ken for a very short time, yet it seems like I’ve known him all of my life. A kind and decent man of incredible strength, a role model to all of us. I will miss him greatly and find solace in the eyes of my wife, whom he invested his wisdom and compassion over the years. God bless and keep you in his arms.
Sarah Rose says
Kenneth Leslie Simmons was my grandfather. More than that he was a true and constant friend. I am not sure how life is going to be without him but I do know that he wishes only the best for me. I am happy that he has found peace and the tears I shed are for those he has left behind.
Sarah Rose says
I will always remember the little games we used to play and how much he loved for me to sing songs from Annie to him. When I was sick from school he would bring me the Gidget movies to pass the time and he would always visit me when I was working a job where that was possible.
I went shopping with Mammar and Dad today and the tears fell as Mammar was still buying the things he loved. I know he looked down upon us and laughed telling us only to buy the cheapest things we could find.
I will miss all the wonderful stories of his childhood and the infamous Burder street.
Anyone who ever came in contact with Granddad will be mourning this loss.
Rest up Granddad for the drinks will be free flowing and the greens will be never ending. What a perfect putt!!!
Heather Simmons says
I was lucky enough to marry into the family 11 years ago. Mammar and Grandad were the first family members I met. They made me and my sweet little 2 year old daughter feel like we were part of the family right away. I believe the second time we came over, Grandad had a little bear that he gave to her. My husband adopted my daughter and we later had 2 more. they were all equally special to Grandad. He loved to take Meghan over to the park across the street anytime we came over. Meghan always called it “Grandad’s Park”. As soon as Lauren was big enough, he would take her over there, too. He was never too busy. He would drop whatever he was doing to take the girls places. Everyday that I worked last year, he would keep Lauren. He’d always be in the driveway waiting to take her to the park. What I am most sad about is that he only had 2 months with Caitlyn. But this summer we shall start taking her to “Grandad’s Park”.I love you Grandad, you were the greatest man I ever had in my life.
Meghan Simmons says
I haven’t much to say because words can not cover the great loss i have endured. My granddad was a great man and i will always remember the jokes he told,and the way he told them.
He always told me if i needed some time away that i could go to his house.I always felt that if people were picking on me he would stand up for me he would say “leave her alone she’s alright”! I love my grandad and i will always take time to look back and think of him,and if i need advice i will still talk to him as if he was there because he is here in my heart.
Christopher Simmons says
Grandad was the greatest man i’ve ever known. He was always there when we needed him most, whether it was advice, a joke, or just one of the famous Ken Simmons hugs. I take great comfort in knowing I never took those things for granted. My sister told me that she was his favorite, but I always felt like I was. That was what was beautiful about Grandad, he always made you feel like you were his favorite. It’s going to be hard to face life without him, but I know now that he is with me all the time. I love you Grandad, and thanks for everything.
Christopher Simmons says
Grandad was the greatest man i’ve ever known. He was always there when we needed him most, whether it was advice, a joke, or just one of the famous Ken Simmons hugs. I take great comfort in knowing I never took those things for granted. My sister told me that she was his favorite, but I always felt like I was. That was what was beautiful about Grandad, he always made you feel like you were his favorite. It’s going to be hard to face life without him, but I know now that he is with me all the time. I love you Grandad, and thanks for everything.
Stuart Simmons says
Ken Simmons
1928-2007
My brother & best friend I’ll miss our weekly chat with the corny jokes & endless tales of yesteryear. But most of all I’ll miss you dear brother.
I suppose the Colts team & management will miss your sound advice from the stands. I can hear you now shouting “run the ball” when Peyton decided to throw it.
Rest well Ken, the pain has gone now but I wish they would have let you stay a little longer.
God Bless
Your loving brother Stuart
Fay Roe says
Ken Simmons was my uncle – brother to my Dad Stuart. Uncle Ken was the one that was clever with the written word. We would all love to receive his letters telling stories of good times past. I can’t hope to come up to his standard but I can say that both myself & my husband Andrew have shared many happy times with both Uncle Ken & Aunty Sylv & have always been grateful for their generous hospitality on our numerous trips to the US. We have tried to repay with trips out when they visit the UK & always included a visit to his beloved Stanford Church. Only this Autumn I took Dad & Uncle Ken to a Harvest Festival service there & got pictures of them sitting like naughty choir boys in the pews! He may no longer be here with us but memories like that will never fade.
Our love goes out to all his wonderful family that have been there for him all his life & particularly in his final days. We love you all.
I’m sure my Mum Joyce who passed away nearly four years ago will be waiting for him with a glass of Chardonnay in one hand & a piece of pork pie in the other!
God Bless you all.
Susan Irwin Simmons says
As I read through these heartfelt messages; I am in awe of a man that truly made a difference in so many people’s lives. To leave such a legacy is really all we need. As an “in-law”, there is no guarantee that the family you marry into will be so loving and good. They are; and that is due to Ken’s warmth and love. We will all miss him, but especially his broken-hearted son. How lucky I was to know him.
Arthur R Lauer says
I did not know Mr. Simmons but I did know his son John and grandson Chris. I know that he had influence in thier lifes and judging from that, I would say that he fulfilled his dutys as a father and grandfather. May he rest in peace and God bless the family.
Eric Laird says
What started as a casual aquaintence as the father of my friend John grew into a friendship I will always treasure It was my great fortune to know him. My deepest sympathies to all his family and friends.
Rick Acosta says
Prayers and Condolences to John and his family.
Richard E Feldmeyer says
Sylvia –
I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you and John, and the rest of your family who share the sadness of Ken’s passing.
I considered Ken a good friend and will also miss him. What a great person he was.
hILDA dICK YARE says
We have been the best and closest of friends to this day.We will miss
Ken more than just a friend,He was family. Fortunately we still have
Sylvia, John,, Chris and Sarah and all their children.God bless you,
Ken.
James L Irwin says
John,
We are so sorry about the loss of your wonderful father. God Bless you!
Jim
Marian Foster says
My parents lived next door to Sylvia
and Ken for many years. One of my sons drives a car we bought from Ken. Another used to take care of their lawn during their summer trips. Sylvia and Ken were such kind and good friends of my parents. I feel like I’ve lost a member of my family. I’m sure my dad was there to greet Ken at Heaven’s door.
Brian Osborn says
I am truly sorry for the familyÆs loss of Ken. He was a role model to many due to his wisdom, humor, and love of life. While most of our conversations revolved around the Colts, he left an impression on me about family relationships. My friend, John, often talked about his father as if he were talking about a close friendàI think he was. I hope to have that sort of relationship with my kids as the years pass.
Carol Gralia says
My parents and the Simmons were next door neighbors. When I think of Ken, I see him standing in the garage doing a woodworking project. Amble over for a few words and his dry sense of humor just jumped out.
Deep in the conversation you would suddenly realize that heÆd said something very funny. It might be a quip, a dig or just a different slant on the topic at hand, but it was always very clever and brought a smile.
Ken and my father shared a riding lawn mower. It was an Anglo-American agreement of the first order. The original arrangement gave one the right to use the mower on even days and the other on odd days. They split the cost of purchase and maintenance. In addition, for a number of years there was an unofficial contest to see who could grow the best grass, that is, the grass with the fewest weeds. I suspect Ken won, because the grass is always greener on the other side.
Ken, rest in peace.