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ALLEN SIMMONS Obituary

Dr. Allen H. Simmons passed away at his home in Fresno, CA, on Thursday, September 7, 2017, at the age of 83 years old. Allen was born in Logansport, IN. He spent his youth in Chicago, IL, and then relocated with his family to Fresno, CA, at the age of 14 years. He enjoyed basketball and football at Roosevelt High School, and graduated in 1951. He went on to graduate from Fresno State College with a degree in Biology in 1955, where he was President of Phi Sigma Kappa, and was intramural athlete of the year. Allen honorably served in the United States Army 1956 to 1958. He graduated from University of Maryland Dental School with honors, and was President of his class and a member of Omicron Kappa Epsilon. Allen practiced general dentistry in Fresno for 50 years, until his retirement in 2008. He not only took pride in his practice, but truly relished the friends he made along the way. Allen was an avid snow skier, and enjoyed many weekends with friends and family at his cabin in Shaver Lake. He loved playing basketball, sailing, traveling, sports cars, reading, and spending time at the beach. An ardent Fresno State sports fan, Allen loved going to the games, particularly basketball and football. He loved telling stories, sharing his knowledge and humor, and flashing his warm smile with all who met him. Allen was preceded in death by his parents, Irving and Stella Simmons; his sister, Loraine Fields; brothers, Gerald Simmons, and Dr. Marvin Simmons. Allen is lovingly remembered by his wife, Jeanette, of 40 years; sister, Joan Simmons; children, Eric Simmons, Darin Simmons, Tia Porter, Debbie Abel, Scott Stanley, and Mark Stanley; 12 loving grandchildren; and one great-grandchild. A Memorial Celebration will be held at The Falls Event Center, 4105 W. Fig Garden Drive, Fresno, CA, on Friday, September 22, 2017, at 4:00 p.m. Remembrances may be made to Hinds Hospice, 2490 W. Shaw Ave., Ste. 101, Fresno, CA 93711; or Valley Childrens Hospital, 9300 Valley Childrens Place, Attention Foundation, Madera, CA 93636.

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

Published by Fresno Bee on Sep. 17, 2017.

Memories and Condolences
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Susan Rodriguez

October 4, 2017

He was our dentist from 2000 until he retired. My husband and I were deeply saddened by his passing. He was a wonderful dentist and so kind.

Gene/Kathy Carlton

September 24, 2017

Dr Simmons was our dentist from 1967 till he retired. He took care of our 2 kids also. He was a great person & dentist. Always joking & making you feel better. One of his tricks was to fill your mouth with all that dental stuff & then talk to you asking questions. How could you answer! He & Bobbi were a great team always making the patient feel better. We really missed him when he retired. We will always fondly remember him, his humor & smile & the great dentist that he was. God Bless you Dr. Simmons you made this world much happier now heaven is a happier place with you there. Our thoughts & prayers to all his family.

September 22, 2017

Al and I were friends from Roosevelt and we graduated in 1951. Both went to FSC. In fact when we were called in to register for the draft and take our physicals, I remember Al laughing at us saying he would be 4-F because of his knees. When we finished our physicals we were in a large room, and they called everyone's name and gave us our classifications....Simmons A-1. We all laughed at him. He couldn't believe it. And a few years later he was in the Army. Al was our family dentist for many, many years. He thoroughly enjoyed his profession and was an excellent dentist and friend. We also shared a love for snow skiing and FSC sporting events. I spoke briefly with him about three weeks before he passed. After a brief conversation he handed the phone to Jeanette. She said he told her to tell me he would call me when he felt better.I'm still waiting. He was four days younger than me. Rest in Peace my dear friend. O.B. and Barbara Johnson

Manuel Nunez

September 22, 2017

A true PSK Brother and a friend.

Matt DerGarabedian

September 21, 2017

I knew Dr. Simmons for almost (I think) 40 years. Grew up with the family of one of my best friends Eric. Doc always greated me with a warm smile, a happy greeting and a big bear hug. Ill never forget the fact that not only Al, but Jenette and the entire family always welcomed me where ever and when ever I was invited to spend time with them. Doc and his family have always been and will be my "adopted" family. Even my dad used to call Eric, Simmonsian. When I last saw Al, I was the head maint. man at storyland/playland in Roading Park Fresno. As I walked out of my office to welcome him to my world at the park, he looked at me with that big wonderful smile and said " DerGar! Im proud of you kid!" I think that has to be one of the greatest complements ive ever received in my adult life. He was my extra dad and will always carry him in my heart and memories. Just a wonderful man and family. He'll be sorely missed........

Linda Tanner McCrary

September 19, 2017

Al was our next door neighbor and family dentist throughout my childhood. How we loved to see him coming around the corner in his little red Jag. We would go running across the lawn and wave him down. He would always let Eric, Darrin, or Tia "drive" on his lap into the driveway. We have great memories of their family as our neighbors. We were fortunate to see Al last January at my dad's memorial service. He was a great Dentist and Dad and will be terribly missed by many. Our condolences to the entire family. Love to all of you!

Jim Graham

September 18, 2017

1st saw Dr. Simmons down on Shields Ave. at the age of 15. I'm now 56 and last saw him just prior to his retirement on Fresno St. He was the best! He & Bobbie made a great team! Always felt like family in his presence. R.I.P. & Godspeed my friend. I know you will be missed tremendously & always fondly remembered.

Alan Lubic

September 18, 2017

Allen and I go way back to AZA (Aleph Zadek Aleph) playing on the basketball team.I recently spoke to him talking about old times, he at Roosevelt and I at Fresno High both athletes,graduating same year in high and Fresno State.Hard to believe!So long Allen.

Janelle Whitfield

September 18, 2017

"Uncle Allen" was the sweetest, funniest, most genuine man, and I am privileged to have know him and called him family. Even though we weren't blood relatives, there's not a holiday family memory I have without him in it!
Allen introduced my parents to each other in college at Fresno State! He used to love telling his staff that story whenever I came in. Without him I wouldn't be here! :) He always talked about my dad after his passing, telling me funny stories about him, and always commented on what a nice lady my mom was after she passed. He had a way of bringing their memories back to life for me and my kids whenever we saw him. I loved his smile and sense of humor, he always had funny joke or story to tell. I loved Allen, and used to tell people he reminded me of my dad, because they looked similar. Allen always made me and my children feel special, and I never left a visit without a huge hug. He made an impact on my heart and my life and I will never forget him. My prayers and heart felt condolences go out to all of his family and friends. He was a wonderful, one of a kind man and he will be missed.
I love you Uncle Allen...

Janelle Whitfield, Jake, Gage, and McKenna Sorenson

Janice Blagg

September 17, 2017

Dr Simmons was our family dentist for many years. Such a great and funny man. My husband was In the exam chair with his mouth open when a man fell through the roof and his feet were dangling inches from my husband's face! We ran into him at Panda a few years ago and had a great laugh about that! Still remember he loved Jaguars! Our condolences go out to your family.

Hoffman Family

September 17, 2017

Our family will always remember Al's laughter, stories, jokes and warmth. He was certainly one of a kind and will be missed!! Our thoughts and prayers are with his entire family.

September 17, 2017

It was my pleasure to have had Dr. Al Simmons as my family dentist. He is the only Dentist that I ever had confidence in. He was also such a nice man, always joking and making you feel as if you were not just his patient, but a real friend. My love to all of his family. May God be a great comfort to you all. Dr. Simmons will be fondly remembered by Al and myself.
Al and Cherlyn Pulcifer

Melissa Okutsu

September 17, 2017

Dr. Simmons was my dentist my from childhood until his retirement. He was so funny and personable and I have very fond memories of him. One of my favorite memories is joking with him about letting me drive his fancy car when I got my license. My deepest sympathies to his family. He was a wonderful man.

September 17, 2017

Dr. Simmons was my dentist from my childhood until he retired. He always had a smile and a joke, he also always asked about my grades and how school was going. He was not just a dentist to me, but a role model. My sympathy and prayers go out to his family as they grieve the loss of such a great man. Sincerely, Susan McKinney

September 17, 2017

My sincere condolences to the family may you find comfort in the God of all comfort during this difficult time.

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