Walter Eugene Simms
November 5, 1916 - April 3, 2009

Walter Eugene Simms, Jr. Walter Eugene Simms, Jr., 92, a life-long Austinite, passed on from this life on the morning of April 3, 2009 after a brief illness. Born at home, November 5, 1916, to Walter and Mae Simms, he graduated from Austin High in 1934 and received a BBA from the University of Texas in 1938. While attending UT he worked with his father at Simms Seafood Market on East Avenue (now IH 35 frontage road) and after graduation joined Paul O. Simms Real Estate as a salesman. During World War II he served as a Technical Sergeant in the Army Air Corps in the 91st Ferrying Squadron.He returned to Austin and was employed by Harrison-Wilson-Pearson Real Estate. In 1957, he began his career as a real estate appraiser with the then, Texas Highway Department, Right of Way Division. He retired in 1976.He was credentialed as a Member of the Appraisal Institute (MAI). He was a member of Grace United Methodist Church and a XXXIII Degree Scottish Rite Mason.Dorothy J. Simms, Margaret B. Simms, his parents, and sister Olin Simms Harrell, preceded him in death. He is survived by his wife of 32 years, Aileen M. Simms, daughter Roxan Staff and husband Randy of Dallas, daughter Donna Flippin and husband Marc of Austin, grandchildren Travis Hardin, Tracey Hardin, Sydney Menefee and husband Jake, and Simms Staff; nephews Keith Harrell and wife Gayle, Kenneth Harrell and wife Carol.Services will be held at Harrell Funeral Home, 4435 Frontier Trail, on Tuesday, April 7 at 1:00 p.m., followed by a private burial at Oakwood Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Grace United Methodist Church, 205 East Monroe, Austin, Texas, 78704, or Mount Olive Lutheran Church, 10408 Highway 290 West, Austin, Texas, 78736.

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