Steve Simmons
September 14, 1941 - June 1, 2020
Steve Simmons was born in Sacramento, California and attended McClatchy High School and Sacramento City College there, completing his B.A. degree and teaching credential at Fresno State University.
He met his wife, Margaret, when he was in high school. They were married in 1963 after graduating from college and were together a total of 62 years.
He came to Merced to fulfill his dream of teaching woodshop which he did at Merced High School for 38 years. One of the great joys of his life was working with young people and he was so pleased any time he ran into one of his many former students around Merced and got to hear of their success.
Steve was an avid hunter but also a conservationist. He received many awards for his work with cavity-nesting birds, especially wood ducks, over the last 48 years. He built and maintained hundreds of nest boxes and banded the birds that used them. Over 100,000 baby birds were hatched from his boxes. He was a founder of the California Wood Duck Program which has grown to over 400 volunteers who monitor nest boxes. He was especially happy to share his knowledge and skills with others including the many young aspiring wildlife biologists he was able to help train in field work. His study of kestrels at U.C. Merced is on-going.
He also loved ocean fishing and spent summers salmon fishing commercially out of Dillon Beach in his own boat, the Sea Brant. He was a Merced Breakfast Lions Club member and belonged to Elks.
Steve was preceded in death by his parents, Edith Bryan Simmons and William Simmons and a brother, Douglas Simmons. He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Margaret; his daughter, Deanne Simmons Allen (Peter); a nephew, James Simmons (Leslie) and grand-niece, Emma.
The family would like to thank Dennis McCabe, F.N.P; Dr. Mak; everyone at Mercy Hospital; and the Hinds Hospice staff for the compassionate care they provided for Steve.
In lieu of flowers, a donation can be sent in Steve's memory to the Wood Duck Program at:
California Waterfowl Association, 1346 Blue Oaks Blvd., Roseville, CA 95678
or online at: calwaterfowl.org
Services will be private due to the pandemic, but the family encourages you to share memories and pictures at www.stratfordevansfunerals.com
www.cvobituaries.com

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Merced Sun Star from Jun. 6 to Jun. 10, 2020.

Memories and Condolences
for Steve Simmons

13 Entries

James Bobb McGee

September 11, 2025

Great memories from my days in his woodshop classes. He inspired me and taught with precision. Because of him I joined the American Wood Turners Association. Because of him, wood working of all types became my passion. He will most definitely be missed. My sincerest condolences go out to his family and friends.

Matt Lewis

February 19, 2021

Mr. Simmons made my 9th grade wood shop class my favorite of all 4 years of high school. I looked forward to his stories and lessons every day. I am 62 years old now and still remember him teaching me how to use the table saw and other woodworking tools correctly and safely. Throughout my life I have met so many people who also had him for wood shop, and we all felt the same way about him as a teacher and a really good person. I wish I would have kept in contact with him, as I am sure I would have learned so much more from him. He will be in my prayers, God Bless.

Billy Grissom

June 15, 2020

I have known Steve for over 25 years. He was a very good friend of mine and hunting buddy. Steve's love of wildlife and birds is a passion of mine too. If you ever hunted with Steve you better not shoot even one minute before shoot time! He was all about the rules and regulations a real sportsman. He was a kind, honest and true conservationist. I'm truly going to miss Steve. Maybe some day Steve will save me a spot in his duck blind in "Duck Heaven".
Good bye my friend but you will never be forgotten,
Billy Grissom

Steve Teranishi

June 14, 2020

Dear Margaret & Family,
We are so sad to learn of Steve's passing. It's been a few years since he was active in the Merced Breakfast Lions Club, but his many years of service to the community are greatly appreciated. I still have fond memories of working together with him, making pancakes at our annual Pancake Breakfasts, so many years ago. His work with waterfowl, barn owls, and kestrels is renowned. As a teacher, he truly cared about his students' successes. He will be deeply missed. Our thoughts & prayers are with you.
Sincerely,
Steve Teranishi
Past President, Merced Breakfast Lions Club

Stacy Crane

June 10, 2020

In the world of avian species conservation there is no bigger name in California than Steve Simmons. From Wood Ducks, to Kestrels, to Barn Owls, he was THE go to man for information, nesting box plans, banding, and all things "bird". He will be missed by so many. My condolences to his family and friends.

Donald sheater

June 10, 2020

Hat a great wood shop teacher he was.he was mine in 1972.R.I.P.

David Elder

June 9, 2020

My deepest condolences go out to Margaret Simmons and family.
I lived across the street from both of you from kindergarten to fourth grade. Your house was a safe place for me. Steve always let me play with both of your beautiful golden retrievers. I can only remember Teak.
Lastly, Steve was awesome when he would bring in water fowl to my Wildlife Ecology class at Merced High School.
Steve, you and Margaret gave me a safe place as a child, (The neighborhood was not always kind to myself and family) thank you both for that.
In closing, as an adult when the topic of wildlife conservation comes up I proudly say that I know Steve Simmons The worlds foremost authority on wood ducks and that is pretty cool.
Steve thank you for everything, godspeed.

Lianne Peterson

June 9, 2020

My family spent many summers with the Simmons family at Dillion Beach fishing and enjoying each others company. Mr. Simmons taught me how to dig for clams and how to eat a mouthful of sunflower seeds! Many great childhood memories are remembered with he and his family. Mrs. Simmons and Deanne, please know that I am thinking of you during this difficult time and sending thoughts of peace and comfort.

Roy Echols / Jacksonville Oregon

June 7, 2020

Steve was a great friend. I enjoyed when he would come over to hunt with my dad and I back in the day. We really enjoyed having him. A great and kind man.

PHILIP Gunter

June 6, 2020

So sorry to hear about Mr. Simmons passing. He was my wood shop teacher in 1967 and lived in my parents neighborhood. I always admired him as a teacher and his work in wood duck preservation. He was a great man and will be missed. My condolences to his family.

Geary Waller Atwater ca.

June 6, 2020

thinging of the good times I had in wood shop at east campus with mr. Simmons in 1974. Also had him for hunters safety course. What a great man he was. He will truly be missed. Rip mr Simmons.

Joe Brucia

June 6, 2020

Steve was one of the finest teachers to teach in Merced! He taught his students to be a success in life. My late son, Anthony was an example. Steve was indeed.... the very best! And for this longtime MUHSD administrator, it was an honor to know Steve.

Stratford Evans Funeral Chapel

June 5, 2020

Offering our deepest condolences during this difficult time.

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