Richard Allen Simmons

Richard "Dick" Simmons, formerly of Oxford, Ohio, passed away peacefully surrounded by his children, on Sunday, July 9th after battling several serious health conditions.

Richard was born to Dorothy and Cecil Simmons on July 7th, 1939 in Mt. Vernon, Ohio. He went to Mt. Vernon High School, where he was in the marching band and manager of the basketball team.

Dick attended The Ohio State University and was a very proud member of the OSU Marching Band: The Best Damn Band in the Land! He graduated in 1962 with a degree in Physical Education. Following graduation, he taught PE and coached football at Indian Lake High School. While at Indian Lake, he met Linda and they were married in August 15th, 1964. Dick and Linda moved to Oxford, Ohio, where he received his Masters Degree in Education from Miami University and began teaching K-8 PE and Health at McGuffey Laboratory School. There he was also the middle school basketball and track coach, many still to this day refer to him as "Coach Simmons". Following the closing of McGuffey Lab School, Richard began his college teaching days at Miami University where he taught from 1983 until he retired in 1999. Upon retirement from Miami, he was offered a "short term interim" position teaching at Northern Kentucky University, where he ended up teaching for 19 years.

During his teaching years, Dick was also the voice of the Miami Redskins Football and Basketball teams. In 1998, he began working with the Miami Football Sports Network, traveling to 25 states (including Hawaii) and 3 Bowl Games with the team. In the winter months he satisfied his sports enthusiasm by working the scoreboard at the Miami Men's and Women's Basketball games.

His greatest love was his family. He adored his children and his grandchildren were his pride and joy, never missing a sporting event, dance recital, concert or anything they did. A close tie for second was The Ohio State University and McGuffey Lab School. Dick was extremely passionate about OSU Football and it's Marching Band. And he formed lifelong friendships with the McGuffey Lab School teachers, students and their parents.

Dick's gift for storytelling, sense of humor and friendly demeanor led him to never, ever meeting a stranger. He found a connection with everyone he met.

Despite his many recent health struggles, he maintained his infamous positive attitude and cheerful spirit, never complaining about anything. Ever.

Richard was proceeded in death by his father Cecil, his mother, Dorothy, his sister, Marcia and his stepfather, Nick. He is survived by his four children, Lisa (Chris), Heather (Al), Angie (Jim), Rick (Terri), and his grandchildren Allison, Hayley, Ryan, Grace, Bailey, Gabe, Gavin, Caleb, Nate, Erica and Jacob, his close friend and former wife, Linda, Nephew Mike (Sharon) and family, Cousins Ed (Lynn) and Anne (Paul) and their families. He was blessed with many, many dear friends. He also loved his "grand dogs" Lexi, Hoosier, Brandi, Daisy and Lucy.

There will be a Visitation on Friday, July 14th from 2-4pm, followed by a Memorial Service at 4:00pm at the Miami University Kumler Chapel 650 Western College Dr. Oxford, Ohio,

Those planning an expression of sympathy in Richard's name are asked to consider Hospice Care of Middletown