Morris “Mo” Simmons passed away at home July 6, 2019, after a courageous and graceful battle with multiple sclerosis and cancer.
He was born to Dorothy Hagler Simmons and Green “Frank” Simmons on October 25, 1950 in Helena, Mt.
Morris was raised in Helena and graduated from Helena High School in 1969. He joined the Navy and served October 1970 to 1974, during which time he proudly served his country in Vietnam for a 9 month deployment as an air craft mechanic on the U.S.S Constellation.
On October 19, 1974 he married his wife of 45 years, Lizabeth “Beth” Simmons in Oak Harbor, Wa. Morris and Beth returned to Helena where he worked at the Clerk and Recorders office on voting machines.
He attended Carroll College for several years before joining the Montana Army National Guard, working as a heavy equipment mechanic. Morris gave 20 years of service and received an honorable medical discharge from the Montana Army National Guard due to his multiple sclerosis.
During his retirement, Mo volunteered almost daily in the Physical Rehab department at the VA Hospital in Helena. He enjoyed his lunch companions and loved and cared deeply for all the people with whom he worked.
Mo enjoyed working on vehicles, fishing and his beautiful woodworking, which included making boxes that held Veterans flags.
Most of all, he enjoyed telling stories and making people laugh and helping anyone in need.
He was preceded in death by his parents Dorothy and Frank Simmons, cousins Bill Morey and Susan “Jo” Hagler, Uncle Donny Hagler and Aunt Harriet Morey.
He leaves behind his wife of 45 years, Beth; daughter, Rebecca (Simmons) Baack and her husband Christopher Baack; son, James Simmons; grandchildren Jesse, Lane and Morgan Jones and Rylee Baack and many cousins, nieces and nephews.
Words cannot describe how much he will be missed. Thank you to Hospice of St. Peters and the Helena VA Hospital.
No service, per his request.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Morris’ name can be made to Hospice of St. Peter’s Hospital c/o St. Peter’s Hospital, 2475 Broadway, Helena, MT 59601.
Durand Lindbo says
My thoughts and prayers to the family. He was a wonderful asset to our department and could be relied upon to perform his duties consistently and correctly. I enjoyed his sense of humor and his quiet strength. He has positively impacted the lives of many and will be missed dearly. Thank you for your friendship.
Chuck Johnson says
I grew up across the street from Morris many years ago on Monroe Avenue in Helena. I also knew his mother, Dorothy Hagler Simmons, and his dad, Frank Simmons. Morris was always a good, friendly fellow who liked to work on cars and trucks, Morris will be missed. My condolences to his family.and friends.
Donna Simmons Prewitt says
I am a first cousin to Morris. I remember Morris coming with Frank and Dorothy to Kentucky to visit Frank’s family.love and prayers for the family.
James Simmons says
Dad I will never forget the good times we had. From watching some of our favorite shows and movies together, to working on my truck together. To how enthusiastic you were to show me a new tool you bought (and telling me how it works when needed). Some of my favorite times with you were our talks that could span hours upon hours about history, military history, and family history and any other topic we could think of. To the times we went fishing with uncle Phil and other family members and also just driving around with uncle Phil, and other family and how you two could name the make and model of any vehicle from two blocks away. And most importantly the jokes we told each other and the stories you would tell my sister and I about family and friends.
It hurts knowing you left us so early as I wish I got to spend more time with you. But I am glad you are no longer in any pain and that’s the most important thing. I will always remember the good times we had together. I love you so much and couldn’t ask for a better father! We will all miss you dearly!
Rebecca Baack says
Daddy, I told you “I love you”, atleast a thousand times the last week you were with us, somehow it will never be enough… I will continue to whisper it everytime I am reminded of you. You taught me how to drive, especially on those washboard roads up Strawberry Mountain. You would walk me against your chest when I was 3, singing “Daddy’s little girl” when I was sick. You would include me in all your car startings, in dead of winter. Take me to stock car races and fishing. You always had a story to tell for everything. At times I was impatient to hear the end of these stories, and now, wish I could hear just one more. My sense of humor has definitely come from you…from darker jokes to the favored “Fart” jokes, still to this day dad, I HAVE NOT seen any barking rats or spiders!!!!!!!! Dad, you use to play on my gullible nature…. “Rebecca, frogs are coming in the basement window!” You laughed and laughed at me running down to see these “frogs”(no frogs….). Ha! You told me about drugs, and if I ever wanted beautiful babies, to stay away… THANK YOU!!!!!!! I remember your smell, a good smell, when you came home from the fort of a mix
I call, “daddy, diesel and oil”. We would watch Sanford and Son and MASH, those songs will forever remind me of you. As I got older, we would watch Jeopardy, Wheel of Fortune and your favorite Married with Children. You always had a bit of Al Bundy to you, dad. I remember when you gave me your favorite book…… THE FART BOOK…. you and cousin Bill would flip through it and laugh and laugh. Still my favorite book too, dad. I remember every year going on the tour train when the cousins would come over. Embarrassed, i would see you in your blue car at every stop that train had, waving to all with your big smile. You loved trains, every Christmas, when I was little, you would have a new train set built under the tree for me. I still love trains to this day and am lucky my husband now conducts them. I remember you teaching me about music… Especially the Moody Blues. I loved hearing the old country play in the basement when you were working on it with that cloud of cigarette smoke, listening to you hum along to your favorite songs. Your voice, how soft I would hear you say, “Hi Honey” when I would walk through the front door. Thank you for giving me the love of working on vehicle’s and the love of old muscle cars and trucks. Thank you for loving me unconditionally. Thank you for my life and who I am. Thank you for my brother. A piece of me went to heaven with you, I will raise my children to know you and your name. You’re my favorite Dad, and I know you would say, “You’re my favorite daughter”. I will see you soon, daddy. I love you more than anything, Love your, Whiffer Differ
Debra White says
Morris was my 1st cousin, I only met him a few times, years ago, when he would come to Elliott County, KY to visit his Dad’s huge family. He had 15 Simmons’ Aunts and Uncles, and numerous cousins! I remember one time he was in uniform, and him being 7 years my senior he left quite an impression on me. Tall, dashing, young soldier is how I will always remember him. May you rest in peace dear cousin.
My sincere condolences to his family and friends.
Christy Neiffer says
We will miss you Uncle Mo!!! I have so many memories tucked away and will cherish them. I enjoyed watching you and Phil work on cars, enjoyed riding in the cool cars. Enjoyed all the rides we all went on, shrimp cocktail you made, crabbing in Oak Harbor. I remember you teaching me to dance, play some cards, or just listen to what I would be saying when I was a kid, you were so kind and patient. Rest in peace Uncle Mo, love you!
SHELLY SULLIVAN says
Mo was a bright spot in my day! I will miss seeing his smiling face, for sure. He will be missed greatly out at the VA. Thank you so much for your service to our country and your help and service to our veterans. Rest in peace. Prayers for the family.
Jim Lund says
Thoughts and prayers for Mo’s family. He was a dedicated volunteer who served Veterans at Fort Harrison most week days for the last 10+ years. He was always watching for ways he could help. He was always reliable and would quietly do things to improve the rehab department. He loved to repair and fix things-His mechanical talents were a great resource. He will be missed by Veterans and employees alike.
Everett E. Schwerin, Jr says
Mo married my younger sister Liz back in October of ’74. My wife and I along with son Todd had just returned from Mildenhall, England. I believe that time period is when I met Mo. I believe he was getting out of the Navy and heading for Montana with his new bride. As the years rolled by I got to visit the Simmons and others in Montana. We always had a good time. Barbecue’s, playing cards and just shooting the bull.
He did love to fish. I remember when my son was a little boy we were all at a lake fishing. Mo was kicking back, just enjoying the activities around him. Suddenly – his line indicated he was having a bite. He called for my son Todd to grab the pole and reel it in. Low and behold there was a fish on the line. Todd’s eyes just beamed with joy. That was his Uncle Mo making people smile. As I said, he loved to fish but one thing I could never understand – he did not eat fish but later that day we went to McDonald’s and he ordered up a FISH sandwich. I never could figure that out. Truly, Morris will be missed, he was the kind of guy you would like to ride the river with. One veteran to another – I’ll see you later.
Tamara says
I will miss you Uncle Mo!!! My earliest memories of you are riding in your 57 Chevy truck around town and I remember getting my finger shut in the door. That was a cool truck. Also driving around town in your other hot rod car not sure what it was but it was pretty cool! Wow reading my sister’s memories I do remember your shrimp cocktail it was so good! Barbecue’s at your house and one time while having a barbecue I was scared of bee’s and you told me to just sit still and don’t be scared and the bee landed on my arm and I didn’t scream and then if flew away. Lots of memories I will cherish. So proud of you for helping others and serving our country you are an awesome Uncle and I will never forget you! Say hi to Phil! Forever missed love you! Love, Tam
Darrell Miller says
My condolences to The family. I worked with Mo at Scotty’s/Morey’s drive inn during high school. When we were lucky enough to get time off we would cruise the drag in his 64 Chevy with a 409 cu inch engine or his older Chevy pickup. His vehicles were always tuned like a clock. We had some good times Mo. Rest In Peace my friend.
Tim G says
Rest in Peace my friend, you and Bobby R can go berry picking everyday now.