Jerry Don Simmons

Jerry Don Simmons, born August 21, 1939, passed away peacefully surrounded by family May 8, 2021 in Denton Texas. Jerry was a long-time resident of Davis, Oklahoma where he and his wife Elaine owned and operated the Oak Tree Cattle Company on Highway 7, west of I-35.
Jerry was the son of Claud and Doris ‘Toots’ Simmons of Elmore City, Oklahoma. His two surviving siblings are Claudine Curtis of Elmore City and Joe Simmons of Shawnee, Oklahoma. Jerry met his spouse Mildred Elaine Simmons in 1955 while attending Elmore City High School and subsequently married in 1957. In over 64 years of marriage, they were rarely apart.
During his life Jerry had three successful careers. Early in life Jerry was a public-school teacher and coach. He quickly moved into the administrative ranks and served as a Junior and High School principal in Enid, OK. As an administrator, Jerry helped integrate the Enid public schools and supervised the Special Education and Native American programs.
Jerry was also a long-standing member of the U.S. Army National Guard and held three separate battalion commands in the Oklahoma National Guard. He was a graduate of the prestigious U.S. Army War College and culminated his career service on the Joint Forces Policy Board in the Pentagon. He awards include the Defense Superior Service Award and the Legion of Merit. He retired honorably with the rank of Colonel.
After retiring from the Public Schools and the military, Jerry embarked on a third career as a cattle rancher. He successfully designed, organized, and operated the Oak Tree Cattle Company for 20 years. His cattle were often used a registered Black Angus seed stock throughout the region.
Jerry is survived by his wife Elaine and sons James Evan Simmons of Flower Mound, Texas; John Mark Simmons of Henderson, Nevada; and Jeremy Lane Simmons of Leesburg, Virginia. He was the proud grandfather to seven grandkids: Jacob and Nicholas Simmons, sons of James and Monica Simmons; Brooke Runion, Davis, and Reese Simmons, children of John and Debbie Simmons; and Colton and Carson Egan, sons of Jeremy and Heather Simmons.
Jerry enjoyed spending time with his family and working the Oak Tree Ranch. He and Elaine were also experienced travelers who have toured Europe. They also enjoyed cruising the Alaskan coast and the Baltic states. He was a loyal fan of the Dallas Cowboys.
Funeral Services will be held on Thursday, May 13, 2021 at 11:00 at the First Baptist Church in Davis, Oklahoma. Following the service, a reception will be held on the church premises. At 2:00 pm, a grave side ceremony with military honors will be performed at the Elmore City Cemetery. On Wednesday, May 12, 2021 visitation with the family will be open from 5-7 pm at the Hale's Funeral Home in Davis, Oklahoma.
You may send condolence to the family at www.halesfuneralhomes.com. In lieu of flowers please send donations to the American Cancer Society.