Edward Lee Simmons
March 22, 1940 - August 20, 2024
Edward “Ed” was born and raised in Columbus, Ohio. He discovered his passion for music while playing the tuba and string bass throughout high school, participating in marching band, orchestra, and the dance band. He went on to join the Columbus Symphony Orchestra, continuing his passion while attending college. A graduate of The Ohio State University, Ed received a Bachelor of Science in Music Education and was a four-year K-Row member of the OSU marching Band/TBDBITL. As a member of the band, his senior year, Ed had the distinct honor of dotting the I in script Ohio. The day after his college graduation and two Saturday performances with the Columbus Symphony Orchestra and Captain Kangaroo, Ed married his beloved wife of almost 62 years, Ruth Ann (Roof) Simmons, in an evening candlelight ceremony.
Ed's teaching career began in Chillicothe, Ohio, where he taught secondary band and orchestra. The couple soon relocated to the Washington, D.C., -Maryland area, where Ed would go on to serve 26 years playing tuba and string bass with the prestigious The President's Own United States Marine Band. Many fond memories and wonderful friendships were formed during these years with neighbors and members of Our Saviors and Hope Lutheran Churches. While in Maryland, he honed his skills and became a gifted instrument repair technician, an interest that began with a class in college.
After retirement from the Marine Band, Ed and Ruth moved to Wenatchee, Washington, where Ed returned to his roots in education as a teacher at Pioneer Middle School and assisting with the Wenatchee Senior High School music program. In addition to teaching, Ed continued to repair band instruments for many years. Outside of music, Ed enjoyed golf, learning to fish, woodworking, bridge and always found comfort in a good book. His love and passion for music extended to all facets of his life, understanding how music touches our souls and its importance within the community. He will affectionately be remembered as our favorite “family music man.”
Ed was preceded in death by his parents, Margaret and John Simmons; brother, David Simmons; and daughter, Janine (Mark) Walker. He is survived by his wife, Ruth Simmons; daughters: Christine (Michael) Martin of Whitefish Bay, Wisconsin, and Jennifer (Kimberly Henshaw) Schenker of Victor, New York; and grandchildren: Evan and Josh Schenker, Caroline (Matthew) Stipkovich, Madeline, Julia, and Jenna Walker; sister-in-Law, Donna (Gary) Bates of Wenatchee, Washington; and many nieces and nephews.
A Celebration of Life will be held 11:00 a.m., on Saturday, August 31, 2024, at Grace Lutheran Church, 1408 Washington St., Wenatchee, Washington, 98801. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Ed's name to the Wenatchee School District Music Department, WSD District Office, 235 Sunset Ave, Wenatchee, WA, 98801, to provide instrument access for all. Donations may also be made to the Packing Friendship Program at Grace Lutheran Church, a backpack food program for children (earmarked “Packing Friendship” in the note line).
Our deepest appreciation to the employees of Confluence Health Palliative/Hospice Care for their compassionate care.
Ed was a member of the marching band from 1958 through 1962. He played Sousaphone in K-Row.
