- Date Of Birth: August 7, 1923
- Date Of Death: March 12, 2019
- State: Idaho
Roy Edward Simonds, 95, of Idaho Falls, passed away Tuesday, March 12, 2019, at his home at Fairwinds-Sandcreek Assisted Living.
Roy was born August 7,1923, in Neosho, MO, to Almond (Legs) and Hannah (Knute) Simonds. Although dad was an only child, he had a cousin, Colleen Hauge of Spearfish SD, whom he always considered his little sister. He grew up and attended schools in South Dakota, graduating from Buffalo High School at the age of 16. As a young boy, dad developed a love for playing and watching baseball. He played on the varsity team in college, coached his sons Little League teams and enjoyed nights at the ballpark watching the Chukars play.
In June 1943, he and his best friend enlisted in the Navy and joined the Seabees. Dad attended the University of Virginia (his favorite colors were orange and blue) through the Naval Reserve Officer Training Corp and received an Engineering Degree and Commission. His idea of a glamorous Navy career did not materialize and he was released to inactive duty in the Ready Reserve in the fall of 1946. He remained in the Naval Reserve for 30 years as a Lt. Commander and was never formally discharged.
In November 1946, while attending his best friend’s wedding, dad met a pretty blonde with a beautiful smile, Betty Lee Price, and decided to marry her after their first date. They married on June 8,1947 and were loving and devoted partners for over 69 years. Together they raised five children, Jack Simonds (Cheryl), Jim Simonds (Arantza), Jill Lines (Bruce), Mike Simonds (TBD) and Lisa Kissell (Jeff).
Dad’s civil career began in South Dakota working for the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation from 1947 until 1956.
