Richard William Simmons, 84 of Chelsea was called home to be with his Lord on October 19, 2024. He was born on January 23, 1940 in Wheeling, WV, son of the late Adair C. and Lila M. (Wilson) Simmons.
Richard graduated from Belding High School with the class 1957. He went on to earn a Bachelor of Science in Aeronautical Engineering (1961) and a Master of Science in Aeronautical & Astronautical Engineering (1963) from the University of Michigan. He met his beloved wife, Karen E. Briggson of Dexter, MI on a blind date to a dance and they were married on August 27, 1960. They were blessed with 64 years of marriage and three children. While completing his master’s program, Richard worked on multiple projects related to the early Apollo space missions. He traveled to Cape Canaveral and Ascension Island to participate in rocket launches and testing for NASA. Post-graduation he worked at Bendix Corporation in Southfield, MI for many years and then took a position at Artos Engineering in Milwaukee, WI, working until his retirement in 2005.
Richard was a man of great faith and active church member. He served as an elder for many years and loved singing in the choir with Karen. He was an accomplished trap shooter, computer guru and devoted University of Michigan football fan. He enjoyed camping and trail riding in northern Michigan when he was younger, even convincing Karen to ride a motorcycle. In retirement he treasured his many trips with Karen to Mackinaw City or down to Georgia for Thanksgiving, one of his favorite holidays. He will be remembered as someone always there to help others in any way.
Richard was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Gary, and his son David. He is survived and eternally loved by his wife Karen, daughter Pamela (Eric) Anderson of Eatonton, GA and son Rick (Kristina) Simmons of Ann Arbor, MI, five grandchildren: Evan (Erica) Anderson of Denver CO, Cameron (Janie) Anderson of Atlanta, GA, Amanda (Matthew) Oetting of Plymouth, MI, Zackary Simmons of Seattle, WA, Emma Grace Anderson of Roswell, GA; two great-grandchildren, Louise Cecilia Anderson and Everlee Grace Oetting. In honoring Richard’s wishes cremation has taken place.
The family received friends from 1-2PM on Friday, November 8, 2024, followed by a memorial service and reception at Peace Lutheran Church, 8260 Jackson Rd, Ann Arbor, MI 48103 with Pastor Andy Pronsati officiating. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests a memorial donation be made to Peace Lutheran Church.
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