Lee Simonds

It is with heavy hearts that we share the news of the passing of Lee Allen "Skip" Simonds. Lee left us peacefully, in the arms of his savior Jesus Christ, on October 26, 2025, at the age of 55. Surrounded by the family he adored, he closed his eyes after a short but courageous battle with heart disease.

Born in Kalamazoo, Michigan on March 22, 1970, Lee’s early life wasn't always easy, but those challenges forged the incredible man we knew and loved. He faced the world with a deep well of perseverance and strength, becoming the strong,compassionate, and unwavering pillar of support his family will forever cherish.

Lee worked a variety of jobs—from the hustle of restaurants to the detail of woodworking—but for the last 25 years, he found his true calling as a painter. He had a real artistic eye, especially with high-end new construction, which he truly saw as his canvas. But let’s be honest: Lee worked to live, he didn’t live to work. His time and love were fiercely reserved for his greatest masterpieces: his children and grandchildren. He took immense pride in building his own family founded on a simple, beautiful principle: unconditional love. Lee's love created an expansive family. Blood wasn't a requirement; he wholeheartedly cherished his children, stepchildren, his bonus kid, his in-laws and all his grandchildren. He surrounded himself with friends who were brothers and sisters in every sense. Lee built a rich, diverse tribe of loved ones that was truly his greatest joy.

Lee was a man of simple pleasures and deep passions. His backyard was his sanctuary, where you could always find him tending to his garden, which was famous for its bewildering variety of peppers. He was a walking encyclopedia of music, his constant companion. Whether he was rocking out in the backyard or meticulously planning his next concert trip—a joy he loved sharing with others—music was the soundtrack to his life.

Together with his beloved wife, Angie, Lee created a home with a legendary open-door policy. It didn't matter who you were or where you came from; everyone felt immediately welcome and loved. Lee was a wonderful cook who loved to feed people, and he had a fantastic sense of humor, always ready to tell a good joke, and not the politically correct kind. His gift was his remarkable ability to connect with anyone—he truly saw no strangers. He just made people feel comfortable and accepted, living by his simple mantra: be open-minded, be true to yourself, and find what genuinely makes you happy.

Travel was always on his mind, especially if it involved the water. He spent a few cherished years calling Treasure Island, Florida, home, just to be close to the beach air he adored. Back in Michigan, he loved the shores of our Great Lakes, with South Haven being a frequent getaway for him, and he treasured the family trips he took to the rugged beauty of the Upper Peninsula. Closer to home, he could often be found at his beloved second home, Main Street Pub in Kalamazoo, sharing laughs with beer league and a wonderful circle of friends, from the staff to the regulars. Lee did not limit his bar goings to just Main Street, he had many friends at all the local watering holes.

Lee’s light, his humor, which we all knew could be quite outrageous, and his boundless acceptance of all will be dearly missed by all who knew him.

Lee is lovingly remembered by his wife, Angie Motzell;

His Children and Grandchildren:

Son, Nikia Hearns (Tori McNett), and grandchildren Liam, Charlie, and Jade.

Daughter, Rose (Derris) Yager, and grandchildren Isaiah, Lilyana, and Ivy.

His Stepchildren and Step-Grandchildren:

Stepson, Gavin Pennock (Shelby Dennett), and step-grandchildren Calvin and Elizabeth.

Stepson, Riley Pennock (Kourtney Kellogg), and step-grandson Taylor.

Stepson, Logan Pennock.

Bonus Son, Tobias Bowers.

His Extended Family:

Sister, Kelly Cioe.

In-laws, Ron and Doraine Motzell.

Brother-in-law, Matthew (Rosa) Motzell.

He is also deeply remembered by his mentor, teacher, and friend, Douglas “Chopper” Averitt, and the many, many friends that Lee held in the highest regard and loved as his extended family.

A Celebration of Lee’s Life will be held on Wednesday, November 5th, 2025, at Living Hope Community Church, 9292 East CD Avenue, Richland, Michigan.

Schedule of Events:

Gathering of Family and Friends: 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM

Celebration of Life Service: 3:00 PM

The service will be followed by a time of fellowship and luncheon.

In lieu of flowers, Lee had a deep passion for feeding people. We kindly request that you bring non-perishable food items to the event for our local food pantry. All monetary donations will also be contributed to the food pantry.

John 3:16 “For God so loved the world that he gave his only son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life”