March 29, 2024

Robert D. “Dude” Simmons

Robert D. “Dude” Simmons, 65, of Newton died on Friday, Feb. 8, 2013, at Skiff Medical Center in Newton.

A memorial service will be at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Feb. 13, at the Wallace Family Funeral Home. The family will greet friends from 10 a.m. until the time of service. Memorials in Bob’s name may be left at the funeral home.

Bob, the son of Herbert and Betty (Grylls) Simmons, was born on April 19, 1947, in Des Moines. He lived for many years in Mitchellville before moving to Newton more than 30 years ago. Bob worked in Die Cast at the Maytag Company where he retired from. After retirement, he worked as a janitor at the Newton Senior High School until December of 2012. Bob enjoyed NASCAR racing and liked to go to the Iowa Speedway. He also enjoyed NFL football, playing poker and hanging out and having a cold beer with friends in his garage.

Those left to honor Bob’s memory are his two sons, Pete (Melissa) Simmons of Newton and Steve Simmons of Altoona; his daughter, Kellie (Doug) Morris of Las Vegas, Nev.; six grandchildren, Shaiden Simmons, Maisa Simmons, Noah Simmons, Josh Simmons, Faith Morris and Elijah Morris; his siblings, Judy Carney, Mike (Betty) Simmons, Steve (Diane) Simmons, and Nancy (Steve) Swinehart, all of Des Moines; and his many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; his grandson, Gauge Anderson; and his sister, Susan Tedesco.