Thomas 'Tom' W. Simmons III, 76

BEAR - Thomas "Tom" W. Simmons III, of Bear, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, Dec. 30, 2008, in Heartland Hospice House in Wilmington. He was 76. Born on July 19, 1932, in Cambridge, Md., he was the second of nine children born to the late Angeline (Wolff) and Lawrence Fletcher Simmons. Tom, as he was affectionately known, was named after his beloved grandfather, Thomas Whitely Simmons and an uncle. He was a 1949 graduate of Cambridge High School. In February of 1951, he enlisted with the U.S. Navy where he proudly served with the Seabees. During the Korean War he was stationed on the Aleutian Islands and the Philippines. On Feb. 18, 1955, he was honorably discharged from the military. Upon returning to the states, Tom worked in electrical construction as a part of project management in the Baltimore area. After 24 years of dedicated service, he went to work as a construction manager for Kidde Automated Systems in Westlake, OH where he worked for the next 11 years. Later he worked for RMS Technologies, Inc. in Marlton, N.J., where he retired as Vice President. Tom was a member of Joseph L. Davis American Legion, Post No. 47 in Havre de Grace, Md., for more than 54 years, where he served as treasurer for 25 years and Post Commander from 1959-1960. He also was a Past Harford County Commander, Past Department of Maryland Junior Vice Commander, Senior Vice Commander and Department Commander in 1970-1971. He was honored to be the first Korean era veteran to hold office in each of these positions. Tom was also a member of various department and national committees throughout the years. Currently, Tom was serving on the Department of Rehabilitation Foundation and the National Legislative Commission. In addition, he was a member of the Sons of the American Legion Squadron 47; VFW Post 8126 in Havre de Grace, Md., and the Grande Voiture de Maryland 40 & 8 Programs in Harford County, Md. He was a former member of the Maryland War Memorial Commission, Past President of Saint John's Towers, Inc. in Havre de Grace, Md., and Havre de Grace Housing Authority. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by three brothers, William Ross Simmons, George Dawson Simmons and John Wesley Fletcher Simmons. He leaves many cherished memories to his wife of 57 years, the former Phyllis M. Wallace from Fishing Creek, Md.; two daughters, Sandra L. Baker and her husband John of Franklin, Mass., and Christina S. Nassif and her husband George of North Royalton, Ohio; two granddaughters, Amanda M. and Allyson M. Baker; one grandson, Justin T. Nassif; three sisters, Elisabeth Ann Carey, Lewes, Laura Fletcher Cater, Cambridge, Md., and Susan Dodson, Cambridge, Md.; and two brothers, Lawrence Fletcher Simmons Jr., Desert Hot Springs, Calif., and Howard Beckwith Simmons, East New Market, Md. Private graveside services will be held at Old Saint Anne's Church Cemetery, 105 Old Saint Anne's Church Road, Middletown. A memorial service will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the American Legion, Department of Maryland, Boys State, Room E, 101 N. Gay Street, Baltimore, MD 21202. Arrangements by Daniels & Hutchison Funeral Home LLC, Middletown. Online condolences may be sent to www.daniels-hutchison.com.