Shawn Simmons

SHAWN SIMMONS

Cedar Rapids

Shawn Patrick Simmons, 57, of Cedar Rapids, died suddenly Wednesday, Sept. 16, 2015, at St. Luke's Hospital, Cedar Rapids. Visitation will be from 1 to 4 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 20, at Stewart Baxter Funeral & Memorial Services, Cedar Rapids, with a rosary service at 3:30. Funeral Mass will be 10:30 Monday, Sept. 21, at St. John XXIII Catholic Church, Cedar Rapids.

He is survived by his loving wife of 28 years, Patricia; children, Alicia, Joshua (Abigale Bedard) and Mariah Simmons; brother, Walter William (Maureen) Simmons; sister, Linette (Russ) Ostermann; a grandchild on the way; and many nieces and nephews.

Shawn was born Sept. 11, 1958, in Cherokee, Iowa, to Beryl and Joyce (Aman) Simmons. He met Patricia Ahrens in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. They married June 20, 1987, and moved back to Iowa shortly afterward. For 35 years, Shawn was a probation/parole officer, beginning his career in Fort Lauderdale for nine years, and then at the state of Iowa Department of Corrections for 26 years. He also was involved in the Iowa Sex Crimes Investigators Association.

He was an avid Chicago sports fan, spending many afternoons watching the Blackhawks and Bears. He was a lifelong outspoken Democrat and a proud supporter of Hillary Clinton.

He enjoyed spending time with his beloved family, especially their trip to Alaska, which was by far their most memorable vacation. Shawn's cremated remains will be scattered there.

He was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Ann Machelle Simmons; and brother, Trace Simmons.

Please share your support and memories with Shawn's family on his tribute wall at www.stewartbaxter.com under obituaries.