1920 ~ 2004
Paul A. Simmons, age 84, died August 3, 2004 in Orem, Utah, due to a lingering illness.
He was born May 29, 1920 in Manti, Utah to Elmer B. and Mary Mabel Anderson Simmons. He married Virginia J. Larsen January 5, 1942 in the Manti LDS Temple.
Paul was educated in Manti City Schools. He graduated from B.Y.U. with a B.S. degree in Economics. Later he earned advanced degrees from Massachusetts Institute of Technology in Cambridge, MA and George Washington University in Washington D.C. He was a 1965 graduate of the National War College, Washington D.C.
He enlisted early in World War II and became a pilot in the Army Air Corps. Paul served as Squadron Commander and Test Pilot in the China-Burma-India theatre of operations. He was recalled to active duty during the Korean War. He was Director of Training at the B.Y.U. Air Force ROTC.
Paul was employed in engineering positions at Geneva Steel Co., North American Aviation Co. in Downey, CA, and at Hill AFB in Utah where he was chief of the Plans and Programs Division. He retired from the U.S. Air Force Reserve with the rank of Colonel.
His L.D.S. Church assignments included Sunday School president, Ward Executive Secretary and Financial Clerk. His hobbies included hunting, fishing, tennis and golf (but not gardening).
Paul is survived by his wife of Provo; his children, Sue McCombs (Darrell), Ann Creer (David), Paul Bee Simmons (Barbara), Daniel Lewis Simmons (Trudy), Sylvia Ruth Jarman (Mark), and Stephen Robert Simmons (Becky); sisters, Hazel Hart (Monroe) of Provo, Lucile Petty of Ogden; and Dora Theobold of Sandy; brothers Stanley Simmons (Christa) of Manti, and Don Simmons (Aleth) also of Manti; 28 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, sisters Betsy Allen and MaryAnn McDill, brother Elbert Simmons, and daughter Jane.
Funeral services will be held Saturday, August 7, 2004 at 11:00 a.m. at the Oak Hills 6th Ward Chapel, 1900 North 1500 East, Provo. Friends may call at the church one hour prior to services. Interment will be in the Provo City Cemetery under the direction of Berg Mortuary of Provo.