Thomas J. Simmons

Thomas Joseph Simmons passed away on Sunday, January 17, 2016 due to MDS/Leukemia. He was at home with his family at his bedside. Tom was born on March 8, 1939 in Kenosha, Wisconsin to James and Cecelia Simmons. He attended Wausau Technical College and graduated with an Associate Degrees in residential design. Tom served two years in the army in Fort Riley, Kansas. After military service he moved to Madison, Wisconsin with his wife Jan. Tom attended the University of Wisconsin and received a degree in Business Administration and graduated in 1971. During Tom's years in business he served on several committees including as a commissioner for the Dane County Housing Authority and on the Board of Directors of the Madison Children's Museum in its early years. Tom belonged to the Knights of Columbus and served as a past Grand Knight. Tom was a prolific artist and passionate about art and architecture -- painting, sculpting and creating until the very end. He was a member of the Madison Art Guild and the Savannah Art Association. Tom and Jan's home away from home is Savannah GA. They love Savannah and especially their neighbors. Tom passed his unique sense of humor onto hi...[more]

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hildren and grandchildren. Tom is survived by his wife of 52 years, Jan; children, Jennifer Simmons of Madison, Sarah Simmons King (David King) of Madison and Kristofer Simmons of Chicago. He is also survived by his grandchildren, who he loved dearly, AJ King (Tom's replacement) and Anna King (Jan's replacement). They are destined to do great things. He also leaves behind his sister, Barbara Bittner, and her husband, David, of Kenosha, Wisconsin, and many wonderful nieces and nephews in Wisconsin and Atlanta, Georgia. Tom also had many friends who called him during his battle with cancer and it truly lifted his spirits. He is further survived by his canine companions Payton, a black lab, and Dooley, a beagle. He loved taking his dogs to the dog park and visiting with his dog park friends. Tom was preceded in death by his parents James and Cecelia Simmons, and his brother, Bill. Special thanks to Dr. Larry Ozers and Dr. Amit Sanyal who managed Tom's care as well as the amazing nurses at both the Dean Clinic Hematology Center and the nurses and staff at Agrace Hospice. We could not have carried on as long as we did without them. A private memorial service will be held at a later date. Donations may be made in Tom's name to Agrace Hospice or One Love Animal Rescue in Savannah, Georgia. HEAVEN: all the dogs that ever loved you will be waiting at the gate including Blackie the Wonder Dog and that GD Sophie. Send us a rainbow and remember we love you. Dad, do you have the NFL channel? Cress Funeral and Cremation Service 3610 Speedway Road Madison 608-238-3434