Obituary of
Simmons Jr., Walter (Walt) Bernard
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 Walt’s 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 Walt’s 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 Walt’s 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 Women’s Center
4313 N. Central Expressway, Suite 200
Dallas, TX 75205-4545
Holy 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.
Tribute Wall of Simmons Jr., Walter (Walt) Bernard
Walt had a profound influence on my faith journey through his witness and guidance. More, I appreciated his ministry of availability as a recipient. What a lovely man!
Janice
Thursday October 13, 2022
Walt had a profound influence on my faith journey through his witness and guidance. More, I appreciated his ministry of availability as a recipient. What a lovely man!
Walt was a good friend and I have missed him since he left Warner Robins. He and Alice were well loved here. May he Rest In Peace.
Jackie connors
Thursday October 13, 2022
Walt was a good friend and I have missed him since he left Warner Robins. He and Alice were well loved here. May he Rest In Peace.
My love and continued prayers for all of you as we mourn the loss of Walt. Please tell me the church where you would prefer to have masses said for him. May he and Alice rest together in peace. – Katee
Katee Dugas
Thursday October 13, 2022
My love and continued prayers for all of you as we mourn the loss of Walt. Please tell me the church where you would prefer to have masses said for him. May he and Alice rest together in peace. - Katee
Believe I read that Walt wrote his obituary. Love the opening line. Theresa and I got to know Walt through our small faith group at St. Gabriel. A man so solid in his faith and straight forward communicating it. We really enjoyed those years and consider Walt a friend and a mentor of the faith for us.
Paul Bichsel
Thursday October 13, 2022
Believe I read that Walt wrote his obituary. Love the opening line. Theresa and I got to know Walt through our small faith group at St. Gabriel. A man so solid in his faith and straight forward communicating it. We really enjoyed those years and consider Walt a friend and a mentor of the faith for us.
Condolences to the children of Walt Simmons. May his soul rest in peace. Thank you for being a vessel in nourishing my faith through the gift of wisdom you imparted to me and Claire 25 years ago and showing me on how a man of God should serve. Prayer intentions we will offer to you my friend, brother and mentor of faith, in whom a heavenly welcome awaits for a good and faithful servant of God…..
Roy and Claire Reynes
Thursday October 13, 2022
Condolences to the children of Walt Simmons. May his soul rest in peace. Thank you for being a vessel in nourishing my faith through the gift of wisdom you imparted to me and Claire 25 years ago and showing me on how a man of God should serve. Prayer intentions we will offer to you my friend, brother and mentor of faith, in whom a heavenly welcome awaits for a good and faithful servant of God.....
Our deepest condolences to Dr. Gary Simmons and the entire family. A mass will be offered at Christ the King Cathedral, Lubbock on December 9, 2019 for the eternal repose of Walt’s soul.
Deacons of Christ the King Cathedral
BENNY PHILLIPS
Thursday October 13, 2022
Our deepest condolences to Dr. Gary Simmons and the entire family. A mass will be offered at Christ the King Cathedral, Lubbock on December 9, 2019 for the eternal repose of Walt's soul.
Deacons of Christ the King Cathedral
My prayers and condolences are with you all. Still working on getting out there. Walt was an exceptional soul who blessed so many – I’ll do the ‘indulgence’ thing because I know he wanted it, but most of us know in our hearts that God will apply it to someone else, because Walt is already with Him!
Jackie Lyons
Thursday October 13, 2022
My prayers and condolences are with you all. Still working on getting out there. Walt was an exceptional soul who blessed so many - I'll do the 'indulgence' thing because I know he wanted it, but most of us know in our hearts that God will apply it to someone else, because Walt is already with Him!