Obituary of Duane Simmons

Duane V Simmons left us on Dec 15th, 2012 to be with our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. He passed peacefully surrounded by all six of his children, their spouses, and grandchildren. Duane was born in Quincy, Illinois Oct 25th, 1929. His family moved to Bremerton, Washington. After graduating from Bremerton High School, he enrolled in the University of Washington. Schooling was interrupted when he joined the Army. While serving his country Duane was a nearly undefeated boxer. Fate stationed him in New Jersey where he met and fell in love with his soul mate Gail Weisenbach. After finally getting approval to marry on Feb 11, 1956 the newlyweds returned to Seattle, started their family, and earned his Bachelor’s degree in Forestry. Later on, he completed his education with a Master’s degree in Silviculture. Duane retired from the US Forest Service after 40 plus years of service to his country. Duane enjoyed family time, fishing, hunting, prospecting, camping, gardening, birding, whittling, rockhounding, and dog training. He loved watching any sports activities of his children, grandchildren, and Huskies. Duane belonged to the Pacific NW Forest Service Assn, VFW, American Legion, and Bedrock Prospectors Club. Duane was preceded in death by his ever-loving wife Gail. He is survived by his six children Debra (Brian) Makowski, Duane (Debbie) Simmons, Jr., Glenn Simmons, Kip Simmons, Susan (Terry) Cearley and Tamara (Timothy) Dahlquist, nine grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. Services are to be held Friday, Dec 21, 1PM at Sumner United Methodist Church. In lieu of flowers, please make a memoriam donation to Bedrock Prospectors Club Christmas Family Fund. PO Box 425, Puyallup, WA 98371.