Steven Ray Simmons
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Steven “Steve” Ray Simmons
August 28, 1954 – July 31, 2016
A Celebration of Life will be held on August 20, 2016, at 11:00 am at Calvary Chapel, 19248 E San Tan Blvd, Queen Creek, AZ 85142.
Steve was born in Los Angeles, California to Ray Simmons and Nancy Burdette. Steve attended elementary through high school in South Gate, CA. He married Annette on October 21, 1989 in Bellflower, CA. Steve was a Honda mechanic for over 30 years and the past 8 years drove a small bus for special needs students. Steve was involved in off road jeeping, was a volunteer ham radio operator and of course, a proud member of the NRA. Steve received grace through Jesus Christ in 2015 and is now in his presence.
Steve is preceded in death by his father Ray Simmons. Steve is survived by his loving family: wife Annette, mother Nancy, sons Josh Simmons and Jeremy Ehrig, and his brothers Randy, Chad, and Glen.
In lieu of flowers Steve requested donations be made to M.D. Anderson Cancer Center (Brain Research) or Calvary Chapel Queen Creek.
Make check payable:
Banner Health Foundation
2901 N Central Ave Ste 160
Phoenix, AZ 85012
Calvary Chapel Queen Creek
19248 E San Tan Blvd
Queen Creek, AZ 85142
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Helen Scorsone says: I went to South Gate High with Steve. I remember a very nice and helpful person. He took us on his health journey with him via Facebook. I had such hope for his survival. I was saddened to learn that was not to be. I want his family to know that I will keep them in prayer. May his soul rest in peace
Helen Dover-Scorsone Class of ’72 -
Michael & Suzanne Escobar says:
My wife Suzanne and I Michael Escobar moved into the the neighborhood 3 doors down from Steve and Annette 3 years ago and I remember the day that I was out front cutting my grass and Steve stopped by in his “baby” his jeep to introduce himself and welcome us to the hood. It was at that point that I knew and felt in my hesart that this was a man of GOD. Since then we have had Steve and Annette over for gatherings with great food and friends and they both are the best friends and neighbors a person could ask for. As I type this on my back patio the sunset is a beautiful one like we often have here in Arizona and it reminds me of Steve and the magnificent life he must have lived.Although we didn’t really have a close relationship like he did with others, when we were together we knew it was “real” and that was amazing. Heaven now has a “true” man of GOD by his side and I Pray that Steve along with GOD will look over us all and protect us until it’s our time to spend time together again.
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Jim and Koni Wade says:
Annette, Josh, Jeremy and Nancy……Jim and I are so very sorry about Steves passing. We had such good times, great memories…He was the best man at our wedding….He was funny as heck…We miss y’all so much and now I will never get another bear hug from Steve. We are grieving with you all. We loved Steve dearly and now he is flying with the Angels and pain free. Love to you all. Will keep you all in our prayers.
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Jody Adams says:
I’m certainly missing my work partner and best buddy of eight years. I enjoyed it so much. You know how chicks dig body damage! I cherish the memories, Uncle Steve, and how you took care of my family when I was away caring for my dad. The family days at Boeing that you enjoyed and the meals we shared with you and Annette. You are in a great place now, and we will meet again before you know it. Love you buddy!
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Preston Kessinger says:
I’ve known Steve since 2007 when I joined his off-road meetup group. Steve will be missed dearly. Many memories exploring jeep trails of Arizona and many camping trips. My wife and I also took a Ham radio course together with Steve. He was such a pleasure to be around. A great man and a great friend. Rest in Peace!
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James Volkel says:
The first time I met Steve I found him a very easy person to like and get to know. He took me on my first four wheel trip with his club. I did not know what to expect but he put me at ease and we both had a great time together. Any time we were together we always had good conversations. Even though my wife and I only knew him for a short time we grew to love and respect him. We will miss him greatly. Looking forward to seeing him again in Heaven.
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Nancy Simmons - Burdette says:
Steven was loved by everyone that knew him. He was loving ,considerate, understanding and loyal. There are no words that can express how much he will be missed by his family.
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John Bell says:
Known Steve since we were sophs in HS. Some of my best memories/experiences were of our trips, and exploits together.
He “taught” me to snow ski;took me to the top of the highest/hardest run at the resort. After falling off the chair lift, I managed to get to where he was, at the top of the run.
“Ready?” “Sure.” “This is how it’s done…”
He pushed off, and left me there; “See you at the bottom!”
After falling a dozen times, I finally found the sense to take off my skis and walk down. Two weeks later, I took lessons. Steve can be a rat bastard.
We were in HS, we both had a car, gas was cheap (26 cents) so we took full advantage, and took many trips, had many laughs, did some things that might have put us in jail (strike the “might” for would…)
Still can’t believe he’s gone. He’ll always be in my heart, and my memories. Aloha dude! -
Judy Raynes says:
Our hearts go out to Annette and Steve’s family.
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Mike Green says:
Steve was my friend since Kindergarten (1959). Few people I’ve met in life have been as kind, sincere, fun, positive and considerate as Steve. Developing those characteristics and being that kind of person did not take years of evolution. Steve was that way when we first met at age 6. I have many great memories of Steve from childhood, teenage years, our 20’s, being 30 somethings and beyond. We are all better for it and blessed to have had Steve in our life.
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Nancy Simmons Burdette says:
Thank you so much Michael and Suzanne Escobar I am Stevens mother what you wrote was just beautiful thank you so much
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Nancy Simmons Burdette says:
Thank you John I love you too
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Nancy Simmons Burdette says:
Thank you Mike my Steven was a pretty
special guy. He was love
By so many people
I do know he’s in heaven and he’s surrounded by love. God his grandma his Grandpa his father and he’s other Grandma and Grandpa and his uncle
Helen Scorsone 
Michael & Suzanne Escobar 
Jim and Koni Wade 
Jody Adams 
Preston Kessinger 
James Volkel 
Nancy Simmons - Burdette 
John Bell 
Judy Raynes 
Mike Green 
Nancy Simmons Burdette
I went to South Gate High with Steve. I remember a very nice and helpful person. He took us on his health journey with him via Facebook. I had such hope for his survival. I was saddened to learn that was not to be. I want his family to know that I will keep them in prayer. May his soul rest in peace
Helen Dover-Scorsone Class of ’72
My wife Suzanne and I Michael Escobar moved into the the neighborhood 3 doors down from Steve and Annette 3 years ago and I remember the day that I was out front cutting my grass and Steve stopped by in his “baby” his jeep to introduce himself and welcome us to the hood. It was at that point that I knew and felt in my hesart that this was a man of GOD. Since then we have had Steve and Annette over for gatherings with great food and friends and they both are the best friends and neighbors a person could ask for. As I type this on my back patio the sunset is a beautiful one like we often have here in Arizona and it reminds me of Steve and the magnificent life he must have lived.Although we didn’t really have a close relationship like he did with others, when we were together we knew it was “real” and that was amazing. Heaven now has a “true” man of GOD by his side and I Pray that Steve along with GOD will look over us all and protect us until it’s our time to spend time together again.
Annette, Josh, Jeremy and Nancy……Jim and I are so very sorry about Steves passing. We had such good times, great memories…He was the best man at our wedding….He was funny as heck…We miss y’all so much and now I will never get another bear hug from Steve. We are grieving with you all. We loved Steve dearly and now he is flying with the Angels and pain free. Love to you all. Will keep you all in our prayers.
I’m certainly missing my work partner and best buddy of eight years. I enjoyed it so much. You know how chicks dig body damage! I cherish the memories, Uncle Steve, and how you took care of my family when I was away caring for my dad. The family days at Boeing that you enjoyed and the meals we shared with you and Annette. You are in a great place now, and we will meet again before you know it. Love you buddy!
I’ve known Steve since 2007 when I joined his off-road meetup group. Steve will be missed dearly. Many memories exploring jeep trails of Arizona and many camping trips. My wife and I also took a Ham radio course together with Steve. He was such a pleasure to be around. A great man and a great friend. Rest in Peace!
The first time I met Steve I found him a very easy person to like and get to know. He took me on my first four wheel trip with his club. I did not know what to expect but he put me at ease and we both had a great time together. Any time we were together we always had good conversations. Even though my wife and I only knew him for a short time we grew to love and respect him. We will miss him greatly. Looking forward to seeing him again in Heaven.
Steven was loved by everyone that knew him. He was loving ,considerate, understanding and loyal. There are no words that can express how much he will be missed by his family.
Known Steve since we were sophs in HS. Some of my best memories/experiences were of our trips, and exploits together.
He “taught” me to snow ski;took me to the top of the highest/hardest run at the resort. After falling off the chair lift, I managed to get to where he was, at the top of the run.
“Ready?” “Sure.” “This is how it’s done…”
He pushed off, and left me there; “See you at the bottom!”
After falling a dozen times, I finally found the sense to take off my skis and walk down. Two weeks later, I took lessons. Steve can be a rat bastard.
We were in HS, we both had a car, gas was cheap (26 cents) so we took full advantage, and took many trips, had many laughs, did some things that might have put us in jail (strike the “might” for would…)
Still can’t believe he’s gone. He’ll always be in my heart, and my memories. Aloha dude!
Our hearts go out to Annette and Steve’s family.
Steve was my friend since Kindergarten (1959). Few people I’ve met in life have been as kind, sincere, fun, positive and considerate as Steve. Developing those characteristics and being that kind of person did not take years of evolution. Steve was that way when we first met at age 6. I have many great memories of Steve from childhood, teenage years, our 20’s, being 30 somethings and beyond. We are all better for it and blessed to have had Steve in our life.
Thank you so much Michael and Suzanne Escobar I am Stevens mother what you wrote was just beautiful thank you so much
Thank you John I love you too
Thank you Mike my Steven was a pretty
special guy. He was love
By so many people
I do know he’s in heaven and he’s surrounded by love. God his grandma his Grandpa his father and he’s other Grandma and Grandpa and his uncle