Walter “Walt” A. Simons, 93, passed away Saturday, January 27, 2024, at Monument Health Sturgis Hospital. Memorial Services for Walt will be at 10:30 AM, on Tuesday, January 30, 2023, at First Presbyterian Church in Sturgis. Inurnment with military honors will be 1:30 p.m.at Black Hills National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers memorials may be directed to First Presbyterian Church of Sturgis or Rainbow Bible Camp.
Walter Allen Simons was born September 29, 1930, to Sam and Ada (Burditt) Simons in Sturgis, SD. Walt spent his childhood years on their homestead in Marcus. He then attended Sturgis Brown High School. After graduation, he earned his teachers certificate at Black Hills State Teachers College. Walt taught school for a short time, before joining the US Air Force during the Korean War. After he was honorably discharged from the Air Force, he married Barbara Newbill on August 27th, 1955, in Alburquerque, New Mexico. Walt and Barbara returned to Sturgis where he adventured in different careers, including insurance and real estate. Later he started Walt Simons Real Estate and Auctions as his final career accomplishment.
Walt was involved in many organizations and volunteer opportunities. This includes starting the Black Hills Chapter of the Christian Trail Riders of America. Other organizations include the Sturgis Veterans of Foreign Wars, American Legion, and the Kiwanis Club. He was also a member of the Sturgis Police Reserves.
Walt is survived by his wife, Barbara; children, Larry Simons, Portland, OR, Colette Meyers, Sturgis, Lisa (Duane) Baker, Sturgis; sister, Freda Wilson, Sturgis; four grandchildren, Stephanie (Scott), Lyndee (Brandon), Dustin (Amber), and Brian; six great-grandchildren, Brandon, Caleb, Sam, Grace, Avery, Marshall; along with many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Sam and Ada; brothers, Vern Simons, Wayne Simons; sisters, Clara Beth Peterson, Gladys Edwards, Kay Ingalls, and son-in-law, Duane Meyers.
In lieu of flowers memorials may be directed to First Presbyterian Church of Sturgis or Rainbow Bible Ranch.