Almas Junior Simmerman, age 74, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family on August 4th, 2019. Born in Rogersville, Missouri on June 24, 1945, Junior was the son of Clarence and Gladys Simmerman. His childhood was spent exploring the great outdoors with his beloved dogs, his siblings, (who adored him), and playing baseball and basketball.
After he graduated high school, Junior spotted Patsy Taylor, a tall, strawberry blond who worked at the local diner; it was love at first sight. Junior and Patsy were married on June 14, 1966. They were blessed with four, beautiful children, and along the way Junior gave his heart to the Lord. He earned his degree in Pastoral Studies from Baptist Bible College in 1984, serving as associate pastor of West Division Street Baptist Church for 35 years. As a pastor Junior faithfully cared for his congregation with a humble, generous spirit. Junior loved people, meeting them where they were and offering whatever was needed – a meal – a prayer – or just a quiet presence at a hospital bedside. If you were friends with Junior, in his eyes, you were family.
After the death of Patsy in 2000, Junior was introduced to Judy McDonald. Her took her out for Mexican (his favorite), and the rest was history. The two married in 2002 and spent their 17-year marriage traveling, ministering to their church, and enjoying the grandchildren’s numerous activities. He retired from Sweetheart Cup Company giving him ample time for his favorite hobbies; working on cars, hunting and spending time with his family in the great outdoors.
As a father and husband, Junior strove to be present and intentional. He served his family with the same spirit he served his church, coach of sports teams, Christian faith modeling and loving them fiercely. As a grandfather he took great joy in attending every activity or sporting event he could. His favorite sport was the one he was watching his grandchildren play from the stands in that moment. His enthusiasm and joy were contagious, his kindness knew no bounds, his faithful spirit will be greatly missed.
Junior was preceded in death by his parents, Clarence and Gladys Simmerman, his first wife Patsy, brothers Gene, Herschel and Kenneth Simmerman, and sister, Retha Moore. He is survived by his wife Judy Simmerman, Strafford, MO, his children Jim Simmerman (Lana), Ash Grove, MO; Regina Barfield (Darin), Springfield, MO; Daniel Simmerman (Shana), Florida; Melanie Guinn (Brian), Springfield, MO; Bob Goodman (Willa), Springfield, MO; 14 grandchildren, 1 great-grandchild, sisters Katie Denney (John), Johnson, KS; Donna Umlauf (Boyd), Springfield, MO; 2 brothers-in-law, Joseph Wood, Ave, MO; Roy wood, Ash Grove, MO; 4 sisters-in-law, Linda Nichols (Buddy), Jacksonville, FL; Nelda Wright (Carl), GA; Marilyn Simmerman, GA; and Donna Greer, MO.
A visitation will be held at Greenlawn Funeral Home North on Wednesday, August 7th from 5-7pm. Funeral service will be at Cherry Street Baptist Church on Thursday, August 8th at 2pm. After the funeral services, military graveside honors will be performed at Greenlawn Cemetery. Memorial contributions can be made in care of Cherry Street Baptist Church Senior Ministries.
Junior’s favorite bible verse was the mantra by which he lived his life, and it’s in these sacred words that his life can best be summed.
Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful.
(1 Corinthians 4:2)