Byron Richard Simmons

Byron Richard Simmons 83, was born in Linden, Texas to Luther and Ruby Jones Simmons. Byron graduated from Linden, Texas high school with the class of 1953 having great affection for his fellow classmates. Byron started working for South Western Electric Power Company part time while attending East Texas Baptist College in Marshall, Texas. Byron was proud to have served his country in the military (Army) spending most of his service time in Okinawa. After his military service Byron returned to work for SWEPCO retiring with 41 years of service. While attending East Texas Baptist College he met and married his wife of 59 years, Doris Owen, who came from Old Hickory, Tennessee to attend college. Byron was a member of Central Baptist Church where he had served as a deacon and greeter. He loved "playing" in the woods in Linden splitting many pieces of fire wood and clearing brush. He thoroughly enjoyed attending blue grass festivals and civil war battlefields and museums. Byron is survived by his wife, Doris; daughter, Judy (Robert) Owen; son, Richard (Mary) Simmons; granddaughters Rheanna (James) Branch, Allison (David) Austin, AnnaBeth Simmons; great-granddaughter, Makenna Branch; great-grandson, Hunter Branch; brothers, William Simmons of Manchester, TN. and James Simmons of Linden, TX; sister, Martha Williams of Linden, TX. Byron was preceded in death by his parents Luther and Ruby Simmons. Our sincere appreciation to those who provided loving care at Marshall Manor and Christus Good Shepherd Hospital. Byron is smiling down on you now. Visitation will be held on Thursday, February 15, 2018 at Downs Funeral Home from 6-8p.m. Service will be held at New Colony Baptist Church Friday, February 16, 2018 at 2:00p.m. Memorial Contributions may be made to a favorite charity or Central Baptist Church, 106 East Fannin Street, Marshall, TX 75670.