Shoot for a double whammy by cleaning up your act and praying for a Plenary Indulgence to get Walt out of Purgatory! He was born Walter Bernard Simmons, Jr. on January 17, 1931, in Oak Park, Illinois. He died October 22, 2019. Walt was the son of Walter and Marjorie Simmons. He is survived by his sister, Kathleen, and her husband, Ray Jiral, along with their three children and families. Walt is preceded in death by his loving wife of forty-six years, Alice Bell Crumbley, who died Christmas Eve 1999. They were married December 15, 1954. Walt leaves behind six children and their spouses (and grandchildren): Dr. Gary and Judy Simmons (Patrick); Dr. Mark and Lisa Simmons (Christopher and David); Margaret and Bill Whitehead (Amber and Brandon); Walter G. (Ann and Alice); Mary and Dale Stowe (Chase); and Teresa Simmons, whom Walt lived with since 2006.Walt retired as a USAF Colonel on September 1, 1979 after 31 years of service. His duties included Command Pilot, Instructor, and Senior Missileman. He served tours in both Korea and Vietnam, and was awarded various honors including the Bronze Star.Scouting was an important part of Walts life. Beginning in 1954 as Scoutmaster at Lackland AFB, TX., Walt held every job possible except Cub Master for twenty-eight years. His voluntary service ended as Explorer Advisor at Hickham AFB, Hawaii. Afterward he spent four years as a Professional Scouter (1978-82). He was a Wood Badge Course Director, or Four Beader.Church work was a given in Walts life. Beginning in 1966, at Francis E. Warren AFB, Cheyenne, WYO, Walt volunteered as lector and continued to the present. From 1974-79 he was an Extraordinary Eucharistic Minister. Retirement brought even more church work: Teaching Scripture for twenty-five years (starting in 1983); teaching catechism twelve years (1994-2006); and participating in the Pro-Life Movement. At St. Gabriel, he participated in the Sunday and Monday Scripture Classes, Serra Club, CHIRP, and Pro-Life Group. Two church activities in particular became life changing experiences for Walt. The first experience was Walts initial 1976 Cursillo. He went on to be Rector four times and grouped until his move to McKinney in August of 2008. The second life changing experience was Marriage Encounter in 1978.Following retirement, Walt began what he called a personal Ministry of Availability. This meant that Walt made himself available to help others no matter what he was doing and no matter what was needed. Daily he met with individuals and provided for their spiritual, material, and physical necessities.Walt started Hospice of Houston County Georgia in 1985 as well. He was its Chairman for one and a half years. He followed that with four more years as an Advocate for twelve men.As Hebrews 12:14 says, Strive for peace with all men, and for that holiness without which no one can see the Lord.In lieu of flowers, please make Plenary Indulgences for Walt and/or have Masses said on his behalf. According to the Catechism of the Catholic Church, an indulgence is The remission before God of the temporal punishment due to sin whose guilt has already been forgiven. Any properly disposed member of the Christian faithful can obtain an indulgence under prescribed conditions through the help of the Church. An indulgence is partial if it removes part of the temporal punishment due to sin or plenary if it removes all punishment. To gain a plenary indulgence, the following requirements must be observed: Sacramental confession. A single sacramental confession suffices for gaining several plenary indulgences; but Communion must be received and prayer for the intention of the Sovereign Pontiff must be recited for the gaining of each plenary indulgence. Eucharistic Communion. Prayer for the intention of the Sovereign Pontiff. The condition of praying for the intention of the Sovereign Pontiff is fully satisfied by reciting one Our Father and one Hail Mary; nevertheless, each one is free to recite any other prayer according to his piety and devotion. It is further required that all attachment to sin, even venial sin, be absent. If the latter disposition is in any way less than perfect or if the prescribed three conditions are not fulfilled, the indulgence will be partial only, saving the provisions given in Norms 34 and 35.Charitable donations in memorial to Walt Simmons may be made to:The White Rose Womens Center4313 N. Central Expressway, Suite 200Dallas, TX 75205-4545Holy Rosary will be recited on Sunday, October 27, 2019 at 7:00 pm at Saint Gabriel Catholic Church, 110 Saint Gabriel Way, McKinney, Texas 75071.Funeral Mass will be on Monday, October 28, 2019 at 10:00 am at Saint Gabriel Catholic Church at 110 Saint Gabriel Way, McKinney, Texas 75071.Please leave the family condolences and share memories on this website.