Elton "Bud" Simmons

Funeral services for Elton “Bud” Simmons, 78, of Diboll will be held Friday, September 20, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. at Lufkin First Church with Brother Joe Stanley officiating. Graveside services with military honors will follow at Sardis Cemetery, 2962 FM 414, Center, Texas. (Pass by the church. Go through the double gates into cemetery (open). On the right. Parking available around the church.)

Mr. Simmons was born to Susie (Johnson) and Woodrow Wilson Simmons on December 7, 1945 in Columbia, Mississippi, and died Saturday, September 14, 2024 in a local hospital.

He served in the U.S. Marine Corps and did two tours in The Vietnam War. He was awarded The Purple Heart, The Bronze Star, The Navy Cross, and The Vietnamese Campaign Medal among many other accolades. During his service, he was nominated for The Congressional Medal of Honor. After proudly serving his country, he became a police officer and eventually retired from Baker Hughes.

Survivors include his wife and soulmate, Helen Marie Simmons of Diboll; daughters, Mary Ellen Pepper and husband Jimmie Pepper of Pearland, Texas, Sarah Jean Wilson and husband Eric Wilson of Fletcher, North Carolina, and Susie Ann Ponder and husband Chris Ponder of Santa Fe, Texas. Grandchildren include Emily Gorton, Ciera Wilson, Connor Wilson, Haley Ponder, Lauren Pepper, and Jacob Ponder. Also he is survived by his sister and best friend, Gertrude Wiggington of Laurel, Mississippi; along with many great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and longtime friends, especially the mother of his three daughters, Margaret “Peggy” Daigle.

He is preceded in death by his parents; brother, Alton Simmons; and sister, Sue Powell.

Pallbearers will be Connor Wilson, Jacob Ponder, Eric Wilson, Kace Sanderson, Jimmie Pepper, and Kristopher Sanderson.

Honorary pallbearers will be Joey Simmons, Wayne McGraw, and Frank Powell, Jr.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Sardis Cemetery Association, 6034 FM 414, Center, Texas 75935.

The family will welcome friends and loved ones from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. on Friday at Lufkin First Church, prior to the services.

Memories and condolences may be added at www.carrowayfuneralhome.com.

Carroway Funeral Home, Lufkin, directors.