Kenneth Simmons Obituary

Name: Celebration of Life for Kenneth Simmons
Start: 2019-05-09T18:00:00.000Z
Location: Shadow Mountain Mortuary

Kenneth Simmons

Phoenix - It is with great sadness that the family of Kenneth (Kenny) Simmons announces his sudden passing on April 29, 2019, at the age of 86. Kenny was a Phoenix native who spent his entire life in the Valley of the Sun. During the Korean War he joined the Navy where he honorably served as a Medic. In 1954 upon completion of his service to our country, Kenny joined the Phoenix Fire Department and served his community for 38 years. He had a distinguished career and retired as a Captain in 1992. Captain Simmons championed and helped drive change in the use of and the development of consensus standards for the respiratory protection (S.C.B.A.) of Firefighters at the local and national level. Kenny served on the Selective Service Board from 1988-2008. Following retirement Kenny and his wife Dean teamed to volunteer at the Washington Adult Center and served as educators for the Area Agency on Aging in Medicare Fraud and Abuse along with helping seniors in the Benefits Assistance area.

Kenny will be lovingly remembered by his wife and best friend Dean of 46 years, his children and stepchildren, David, Mark (Rona), Mike (Tami), Linda and Jeff. Kenny will be forever remembered by his grandchildren, Amy, Brandon (Lacey), Jeffrey (Leanne), Jessica and his great grandchildren Brayden, Carter, Sutton and Maddox. Kenny was preceded in death by his father Billy Ray, mother Lucille, brother Bill (Pat), sister Jean (Don) and grandson Eric.

A Celebration of Kenny Simmons Life will be held on Thursday, May 9, 2019 at 11:00 a.m., at Shadow Mountain Funeral Home, 2350 E Greenway Rd, Phoenix, AZ 85022. A military honors ceremony will follow at 12:30 p.m., at the National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona, 23029 N. Cave Creek Road, Phoenix, AZ 85024.

Those who so desire may make a tribute donation to the Alzheimer's Association @ https://act.alz.org

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

Published by The Arizona Republic on May 5, 2019.

Memories and Condolences
for Kenneth Simmons

Sponsored by Shadow Mountain Mortuary.

11 Entries

May 9, 2019

Dear Uncle Kenny I have so many memories of us. You always had that great sense of humor and that infectious smile whenever we were together. You had a great sense of humor. I will miss are phone calls for our birthdays. I will miss you more than you know. Until we see each other again, Rest in Peace!!❤❤

Walt Lanphier

May 8, 2019

I met Kenny as a rookie at Sta. 15, he was Captain on the outgoing shift. I came in and grabbed the flag and put it up, then went to make my bed as all good rookies did back in '67. When I returned to the day-room Kenny said "Hey booter, the flag is upside down" I opened the front door and gazed up at the flag, Kenny said "Made you look!", and laughed. I have loved the guy since that day.

Bruce Varner

May 6, 2019

Kenny Simmons was my first Captain, to this day I still remember some of the lessons that he taught in that first month at station 15. He was also one of my Captains at Station 1. We traveled to Tucson to look at the Pioneer Hotel Fire the day after the fire. He supported me, even in things that I didn't know about until years later. I was fortunate to have him as a mentor. We attended many, many NFPA meetings together (and ate far too much great Italian food) We would go running or walking together after the days meetings, some great discussions along the way on the days we walked. He was a strong advocate for firefighter Health and Safety, recognized across the country for his work on the NFPA Respiratory standard and the quality of the Phoenix Fire Department's Respiratory program. He was a good guy and a genuinely nice man. It was my privilege to have worked for and with him. I am honored to have had him as a friend. My sympathy to Dean, Mark and the rest of the family.

J Gordon Routley

May 6, 2019

Kenny, I am so sad to hear that you have left us. I truly enjoyed working with you and hanging out together along the way. You were strong, dedicated and always ready to face whatever came along. You made a tremendous difference in the whole realm of respiratory protection for firefighters, because you cared enough to work for the good of all. The world is a better place because if you and I will certainly miss you.

The crew of the Tribute Caisson

May 6, 2019

Kenny was not only a very humble and caring man, but a man who truly wanted to make things better. For the fire department and for anyone he met. Always a smile, a firm hand shake and many times a hug.
We on the Phoenix Fire Foundation Caisson are honored to carry Kenny, to give him and his family that final tribute for one great person.

Chip Gleason

May 5, 2019

Kenny, your love and commitment to the members and firefighters across the nation was tremendous. Through your work on safety equipment and procedures, you made the job safer for all of us. You're a great family man and a great professional. Thank you.

M C

May 4, 2019

I am truly and deeply sorry for your Loss. My warmest condolences go out to the family and friends of Kenneth. May the God of all comport Grant you peace and strength during difficult time. (Psalm 91:11)

Robert Lopez

May 4, 2019

Kenny you got me my start in the air rm.Ill always remember you as a fare and good man,with a good sense of humor,you'll be missed.God bless you and your family

Patrick Cantelme

May 3, 2019

Kenny and Dean,
A truly amazing and very special couple. Dean our love is with you. Kenny did so much for so many people. He was a mentor for me and a foundation for Local 493 and the Phoenix Fire Department. We are all a little better because of you. We miss you brother.

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