Samuel Simmons, Jr

Samuel Simmons
Beloved Father, Grandfather, Great-grandfather and Friend, Passed away on Veterans Day, November 11, 2018, with his children by his side. Preceded in death by his dear wife of 50 years, Barbara Jean, whom he missed every day; father, Samuel Simmons, Sr., mother, Ida Mae Young; step-father, John Young; brother, Kenneth Simmons. Samuel will be greatly missed by children, Samuel John (Esther), Deborah Jean (Victor), Michael Scott, "Miko," Sherri Lynne (Bruce); grandchildren, Shayna (Dan), Tasha (Kyle), Nicholas (Ashley), Jonathan, Joshua, Justice, Nicole, Elliot (Tori), and Jasmin; great-grandchildren, Avery, Bentley, Harvey, Quinn, Kaiya, Makai, Mya; siblings, Lorraine, Wesley (Donna), Lawrence (Virginia). "Papa" touched countless lives with his wisdom, candor, and extraordinary sense of humor. He was a true father, caring for and thinking of his family into his final moments. Samuel was a pillar of the community as well, including his years of service as board member and treasurer of the St. Paul Urban League. Because of his exceptional memory, he was considered a living history of the African American community in Minnesota. Samuel broke racial barriers in his work with the IRS and was specially called upon by the then-CEO to help diversify The Pillsbury Company, where he spent most of his career in finance and as Director of Fleet Administration. He saw the world through four years of active service during the Korean War with the U.S. Navy, returning to graduate from Macalester College, where he met Barbara, the love of his life. He leaves to mourn and to celebrate his memory a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. Service Monday, November 19, 10 AM at CHRIST TEMPLE APOSTOLIC CHURCH, 2651 N. Hamline Ave., Roseville. Interment Fort Snelling National Cemetery. Visitation one hour prior to service. Memorials preferred to: Barbara Simmons Endowed Scholarship at Hamline University.