Woody Joseph Simmons

Woody Simmons, age 74, passed away August 12, 2018. Visitation will be 5:00 – 7:00 pm, Wednesday, August 15 at Park Lawn Funeral Home, 8251 Hillcrest Road, Kansas City, Mo. Funeral service will be 10:00 am, Thursday, August 16, 2018 at Southwood United Church of Christ, 7904 Raytown Road, Raytown, Mo.

Woody Simmons was born September 9, 1943 to Woodrow and Nedra (Sawyer) Simmons in Kansas City, Missouri. He graduated from Northeast High School and served in the 101st Airborne Division of the US Army during the Vietnam War. He was a steel worker at Armco/GST Steel for 36 years before retiring. Woody was a long-standing member of Southwood United Church of Christ where he volunteered in many ways and loved his community. He was also a volunteer for the Sheperd Center’s Meals-on-Wheels program and the Raytown Summer Lunch Ministry.

When others think of Woody, they think of a man who loved to laugh and make others laugh. He was quick with a joke or story which often began with, “Let me put it to you this way….” At 4:00 Monday through Friday, he could be found watching Judge Judy, and everyone knew not to bother calling until 5:00. He rode his motorcycles every chance he got. If he wasn’t with Judge Judy or on a motorcycle, he was likely doing a crossword or Sudoku puzzle or watching a K-pop video. Saturday mornings were reserved for breakfast with his friend, Gary, and World War II videos afterwards.

Woody was loved by all who met him. He was generous and thoughtful as well as a good pie maker. The most apt description of him was jovial—a veritable real-life Santa. At Christmas, he loved filling the stockings on the fireplace and found great pleasure in celebrating each birthday of every family member.

Woody lovingly cared for his wife, Lois, who preceded him in death after a long illness. He loved his children and grandchildren who will dearly miss his bear hugs, his hearty laugh, and his wisdom from a life well-lived. He was the anchor of the family, the joy of the party, and the warmth that brought them all together. His heart was too big for this world.

Woody was preceded in death by a brother, Denny Simmons; his wife, Lois Jean (Borgman) Simmons; and his sister-in-law, Kathy Simmons.

He is survived by his brother, Terry Simmons; daughter, Cindy Kelley and her husband Mitch; son, Jeff Simmons; daughter, Cherie Simmons; son Steve Simmons and his wife Jacqueline; and grandchildren, Phillip Kelley, Vance Kelley, Grace Simmons, and Elliott Simmons.

Memorial tributes may be directed to the Sheperd Center of Raytown Meals-on-Wheels program or the Southwood United Church of Christ’s support of immigrant families.

Service: 10AM, Thursday, August 16, 2018 at Southwood United Church of Christ

Visitation: 5-7PM, Wednesday, August 15, 2018 at Park Lawn Funeral Home

Burial in Green Lawn Cemetery