Thomas Emerson Simms

Simms

Thomas Emerson Simms

Thomas Emerson Simms was born in Bonne Terre, Missouri on August 12, 1944, to Lindell, a lead miner, and Hazel Simms.

He graduated from Desloge High School in 1962 and went on to St. Mary's University, in San Antonio, Texas, where he received his Bachelor of Arts in Medical Technology.

Tom was a 20-year U.S. Army veteran. He served as a Chief Medical Technologist in Okinawa, Vietnam, Hawaii, and the Walter Reed Army Institute of Research in Washington, DC. He was awarded the Republic of Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Palm, among many other medals. He also worked in the Department of Laboratory Medicine at Georgetown University Hospital in Washington, DC for eight years.

After retiring from the Army, Tom began a long career at the U.S. Food and Drug Administration as a Consumer Safety Officer at the Center for Devices and Radiological Health.

Tom loved spending time with his family and cats. He also enjoyed woodworking, photography, drawing, going to the theater, traveling, and many outdoor activities.

Tom passed peacefully on February 3, surrounded by his loving family.

Tom is survived by his wife Janet Ishimoto; his children Steven Thomas Simms of Silver Spring, MD; Kristine Simms Willis (Donald) of Mount Airy, MD; Michael Emerson Simms (Lisa) of Frederick, MD; Paul Lindell Simms Ishimoto of Silver Spring, MD; and five grandchildren.

Burial of Tom's ashes will be at the Cheltenham Veterans Cemetery, 11301 Crain Highway, Cheltenham, MD 20623 on March 30 at 10:30 a.m. A Celebration of Life will be held at 2 p.m. at the Glenview Mansion, 603 Edmonston Dr., Rockville, MD 20851.

The family is not soliciting donations. However, those wishing to honor Tom's memory may make a donation to their charity of choice. Tom supported World Central Kitchen and Shepherd's Table.