Shawn Simmons
September 11, 1958 ~ September 16, 2015
Shawn Patrick Simmons, 57, of Cedar Rapids, died suddenly Wednesday, September 16, 2015, at St. Luke's Hospital, Cedar Rapids. Visitation will be Sunday, September 20, 2015, from 1-4 p.m. at Stewart Baxter Funeral & Memorial Services, Cedar Rapids, with a Rosary service at 3:30. Funeral Mass will be at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, September 21, 2015, at St. John XXIII Catholic Church, Cedar Rapids.
He is survived by his loving wife of 28 years, Patricia; children, Alicia, Joshua (Abigale Bedard), and Mariah Simmons; brother, Walter William (Maureen) Simmons; sister, Linette (Russ) Ostermann; a grandchild on the way; and many nieces and nephews.
Shawn was born September 11, 1958, in Cherokee, Iowa to Beryl and Joyce (Aman) Simmons. He met Patricia Ahrens in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. They married on June 20, 1987, and moved back to Iowa shortly after. For 35 years, Shawn was a probation/parole officer beginning his career in Fort Lauderdale for 9 years, and then the State of Iowa Department of Corrections for 26 years. He was also involved in the Iowa Sex Crimes Investigators Association.
He was an avid Chicago sports fan, spending many afternoons watching the Blackhawks and the Bears. He was a lifelong outspoken Democrat, and a proud supporter of Hillary Clinton. He enjoyed spending time with his beloved family, especially their trip to Alaska which was by far, their most memorable vacation. Shawn's cremated remains will be scattered there.
He was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Ann Machelle Simmons; and brother, Trace Simmons.
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My thoughts and prayers go out to the Simmons Family. I remember Shawn for his many sayings and adages. Some I had to scratch my head at. He was very proud of his family and always wanted the best for them. He used to refer to me as the little brother he never had, which typically was followed up with a comment at my expense. He will be missed!
I have know Shawn since freshman year at The University of Iowa, he and I were on the same floor at Currier Hall and became friends quickly.I can say without question our friendship began due to our love for the Chicago Blackhawks.I am proud to say Shawn was a friend but more importantly he was someone I had great respect.My thoughts and prayers go out to the family during this difficult time.
I want to extend my sympathy to Shawn’s family. I have worked with him for the last few years and think of him as “quite a character”. He loved to impress us with treats Patty made, which of course we all enjoyed. He will be greatly missed at work.
My thoughts and sympathy go out to Shawn’s family. I worked with Shawn for 20 years. He always had something to add to the conversation. He was very proud of his family and passionate about his politics. He will be missed.
My thoughts and prayers go out to all of Shawn’s family and friends. I will miss our bantering in the break room about politics and religion! It was always in good fun and we always ended our “discussions” as friends. He was such a gentleman, holding the door for staff and clients. He helped to make people welcome. He will be greatly missed by many.
My thoughts & prayers are also lifted for Shawn’s family. We were friends and colleagues that shared a love & passion for this difficult work. What I will fondly remember most, though, were our personal conversations about our families, our faith, and what God was doing in our lives. Blessings & comfort from the Holy Spirit today and always… Randy Cole
My heartfelt sympathy to Shawns family May you find comfort in the lord as you go through the following days. Shawn was a unique person and we will all miss him very much. He touched many lives including mine. I was the victim advocate at the department and Shawn was very victim sensitive and supported their needs. It was an honor to work with him. One of my favorite quotes Is,
“To live in the hearts of those you love is never to die”. I know he will be in your hears forever
Linda Sorenson
I can’t seem to find the right words to express how saddened we are at this news. The people we love never go away – the walk beside us everyday unseen, unheard but always near. Still loved, always missed and very dear. Death leaves a heartache no one can heal, but love leaves memories no one can steal. May your love and memories carry you through this difficult journey. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Terry & Barb Schrafel
I will sorely miss my favorite liberal Democrat…. Henry Keyes
Dear Patricia, Alicia, Josh, and Mariah,
I was so sorry to read about Shawn’s death in the Gazette. It doesn’t seem like that long ago that Shawn was bringing the kids in for check-ups or for ill visits. You were always one of my favorite families to see! I am very sorry for your loss and hope you have good memories to share to help you thru these tough days. I like the idea that Shawn will be part of Alaska. I hope to visit there again some day and will likely feel his spirit there. Sincerely, Sarah Wickenkamp, MD
I worked with Shawn for many years and he was always up for a debate. I was with him on his first journey to Alaska and remember his love of the land. He loved his family and will be truly missed.
Dudley Allison
I thoroughly enjoyed the conversations I had with Shawn while walking my dogs. I always looked forward to seeing him on our walks. He always brightened my day. He will be greatly missed.
Deanna Lettington – 3700 Old Orchard.
My thoughts and prayers go out to the Simmons’ family during this trying time. I will always remember how proud Shawn was of his family. I have many memories on sidelines and in the stands starting with metro football, chain gangs, thru high school games and all other sporting events we’d spend time watching. He was a fan & loved being involved. With a heavy heart, I will greatly miss Shawn.
Alicia and Josh and the Simmons family,
I was so saddened to learn of your father’s sudden passing. I only talked with him a few times during those high school years, but his (and your mom’s) support and enthusiasm about your education was very evident. I am so sorry. Marlyse Strait
I would like to share my heartfelt sympathies to the family of Shawn Simmons. I enjoyed working with him because he was always the consummate professional. Shawn always had a positive and upbeat attitude. He was a worldly and kind man who will be greatly missed and I am so sorry for your loss.
I was shocked to pick up the paper and see that Shawn had passed. I had just spoken to him in my store on Tuesday and we had joked with each other as we always did. He was always a pure pleasure to serve and I will miss his smiling face…because he was always smiling. My thoughts and prayers are with Shawn and the entire family.
Bob Holley (Holley”s Shop for Men)
I got a call from a co-worker of Shawn’s passing while I was in Washington DC. I was so shocked. Besides working with Shawn, my sons Cory (Shawn nicknamed him “the hammer”) and Connor played Salvation Army basketball with Shawn’s son Josh. Shawn and I talked about what are children were up to. He told me he was going to be a grandpa; he had a sparkle in his eyes. I will miss Shawn”s smile and his life’s insights. Our thoughts and prayers are with the entire Simmons family. Sue Morgan (Jim, Cory & Connor)
Patty, Alicia, Josh and Mariah
Words can’t express my feelings over the loss of your husband & Dad. We had our last conversation at the Downtown family market, Shawn was so excited about the upcoming birth of the grand baby in Febuary. He truly loved his family. I enjoyed the friendship we shared, going back to Franklin Middle School. Our children in sports together, Shawn will be miss a great. Love A’Lisa & Adam
Patricia:
I was sad to hear of Shawn passing as he has been a friend for many years. I first met him through his long association with the ISCIA and valued his willingness to serve in the organization. He had many positive traits and I will always remember him laughing and his willingness to assist in the meetings and conferences of the ISCIA.
Through our discussions I could see he was proud of his family and enjoyed his career.
I know there are no words that will make his loss any easier to accept so I hope you will find comfort in knowing others are thinking about you and your family.
He will be missed.
God Bless
Steven Conlon
Thoughts and prayers to the Simmons family. I previously worked with Shawn for about 5 years and he was quite a character. He was kind, funny and great at his job. I worked the front desk at the DOCS and I know that most of his clients when he was located in my building really respected him and appreciated him. He was firm but fair. Shawn will be missed. My condolences to the family.
Patricia –
What lovely and poised children you have. They are a credit to you and Shawn. I am glad you have one another to lean on during this difficult time. You all are in my thoughts and prayers.
Patty and family – My sympathies to you all. I was so sad to see Shawn’s obituary in the paper. I don’t have the words to express my thoughts but want you to know that so many people are thinking of you and sending you love and peace.
Shawn was perhaps my favorite little leaguer that I ever had the privilege to coach.
I bet he was one heck of law man! I am saddened to hear of his sudden passing.
I’m thinking of you Billy!!
Steve Conley
With a heavy heart i send this note to the family of shawn simmons. I grew up with shawn and his brothers playing base ball and foot ball. I remember shawn was a great kid and was darn good at sports. Im sure he was a great father and a great lawman. I will pray for his familys spirits and hearts that the lord hold you tightly while you heal. Will think of you often shawn rest in peace. Jilll glouser
I wish to extend my condolences to Shawn’s family. Shawn was my Probation Officer for 3 years. He was a very kind, thoughtful, open-minded, honest, genuine, caring, intelligent man. Our discussions were heavily based around The Beatles and The Rolling Stones. He also convinced me to watch 5 People You’ll Meet in Heaven. I was shocked and deeply saddened to hear of his passing and I know that whenever I hear or see anything to do with the Rolling Stones I will always think of Shawn.