Obituary of Thurman W. Simmons

Thurman W. Simmons was born May 5, 1922 in Stuart, VA to Martin Van Buren and Laura (Tilley) Simmons and went to his heavenly home on December 29, 2014 in Tulsa, OK at the age of 92. The Simmons family moved to Tulsa in 1922. Thurman graduated from Central High School in 1940 then served in WWII as a Navy Seabee. He was an avid sportsman fishing, hunting, and softball pitcher for several local teams and in national tournaments. He worked for Sun Oil Company 42 years. Thurman loved gardening, camping, woodworking, traveling the globe, and could build and fix anything. A man of faith, he lived a life of great moral character and integrity. He attended 29th and Yale Church of Christ for over 50 years. Thurman was preceded in death by his parents; his younger brother, Jack Simmons; his oldest daughter, Cyndi Gould. He is survived by his wife, of 67 years, Gwen Simmons; his son-in-law, Nick Gould; his daughter, Debra and her husband, Lanny Lambert; his sister, Margaret and her husband, Carl Alred; his grandchildren, Nathan and Lauren Lambert, Audrey and Paul Isham, Philip Lambert, Taryn and Kris Ledford, Natalie Gould; his great grandchild, Avery Ledford; and nieces and nephews. Funeral service will be held 1:00 pm Monday, January 5, 2015 at 29th and Yale Church of Christ. He will be laid to rest at Rose Hill Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Tulsa Zoo in his name. To learn how, please visit www.tulsazoo.org/support/giving-opportunities/donate-today.