Don M. Simmons
Don Mathew Simmons, 93, of Manti, passed away on Dec. 24, 2019 at his home.
He was born on March 20, 1926 in Manti, to Elmer Bert and Mary Mabel Anderson Simmons. Don married his sweetheart Aleth Olsen on July 27, 1955 in Manti.
In August 1944, Don entered military service in the U.S. Air Force. He served in France at the end of the war as a supply sergeant. Following his honorable discharge in July of 1946 he enrolled in Weber College where he became editor of the college newspaper. He also attended the University of Utah, Snow College and graduated from Brigham Young University with a degree in accounting.
Don loved Manti, where he lived his entire life. He worked as co-owner of Simmons Furniture and Hardware until he retired at age 82. He enjoyed being involved in civic activities such as Lions Club and Jaycees; served on the school board for the South Sanpete School District; was president of the Utah State School Board; and served in many other community activities that helped Manti thrive.
The mountains were his playground and he spent many memorable days with family and friends exploring the canyons. Don’s passion was gardening, he had a green thumb and made everything beautiful. He won several beautification awards in Manti and his yard was featured in the Sunset magazine. He enjoyed cooking and eating gourmet food, especially desserts.
He loved traveling with Aleth and their friends, and always had a trip planned. Don was a man of integrity, he deeply loved his family and thoroughly enjoyed life.
Don is survived by his wife, Aleth; children, Sandra (Lynn) Smith, Manti; Scott (Lorrie) Simmons, South Jordan; Carol (Doug) Welker, Spring City; siblings, Lucille Petty and Dora Theobald; sister-in-law, Christa Simmons; 11 grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren.
He is preceded in death by his parents; siblings, Elizabeth (Robert) Allen, Hazel (Monroe) Hart, Elbert (Vivian) Simmons, Paul (Virginia) Simmons, Stan Simmons, MaryAnn (Robert) McDill; brothers-in-law, Don Petty and Randall Theobald.
In lieu of flower the family suggests donation be made to the Manti City Library.
Funeral services were held on Thursday, Jan. 2, 2020 at 11 a.m. in the Manti 3rd Ward Chapel, 555 East Union. Interment was in the Manti City Cemetery with military honors by the American Legion and Utah Honor Guard.
Funeral Directors: Magleby Mortuary, Richfield, Salina and Manti. Online guestbook at http://www.maglebymortuary.com.
