Henry Simmons, 93, passed away peacefully after a short illness on February 23, 2010.

He was born January 12, 1917, in Mosheim, Texas, the tenth of thirteen children of Mary Jane and Jess Simmons. He married Eunice Laverne Berg on September 22, 1942 in Onset, Massachusetts, before deploying overseas. Henry served in World War II , a proud veteran of the 143rd Infantry Regiment, 36th Infantry Division of the United States Army. He was wounded twice while overseas. After the first wound he returned to the front without doctors orders, serving until he was critically wounded in Italy. In later years he returned to Italy trying to find the family that hid him until he could be evacuated home for a long recovery. He was retired after 35 years with Chevron.

His favorite pastimes were gardening, until health prevented it, and dominoes. He was active with the Nueces County Democratic Party for many years after his retirement, serving as precinct chairman for many years, even traveling to New York City in 1978 to serve as a delegate at the National Democratic Convention. He presided over every election for 40 years without fail.

He is preceded in death by his parents, twelve siblings, daughter Vicki Laverne Sorrows, son Bill Henry Simmons, and beloved wife of 64 years, Eunice. He is survived by daughters Barbara Kay (Jack) Miller of Houston, Texas, and Martha Sue (Rod) Oehlert of Sycamore, Illinois, son-in-law, Lee Sorrows, daughter-in-law Sheila Simmons, eight grandchildren, Kimberly (Eric) Simmons, Christine Oehlert, Kasondra Maleski, Stephen Sorrows, Russell Sorrows, Danielle Reilly, Shawn Simmons, and Zachery Simmons, and six great-grandchildren.

Graveside services will be at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, February 27, 2010 at Seaside Memorial Park with Grove Pinson presiding.

Contributor: Walt Rosenquist (49772566)