George Wendell Simons

George Wendell Simons, age 79 of Beavercreek, Ohio passed away unexpectedly on October 18, 2021. He was born April 30, 1942 in Buckhannon, West Virginia son of the late Oscar and Edith Simons.

George was a 1960 graduate of Buckhannon-Upshur High School. The first in his family to attend college, he spent his freshman year at West Virginia University. He was a lifetime Mountaineers fan attending his last WVU football game on October 2, 2021. He ultimately graduated with his bachelor's degree in Physics and Mathematics from West Virginia Wesleyan College where he was a longtime donor. He began a master's degree at the University of Michigan in Nuclear Physics but ultimately felt the call to serve his country and joined as an officer in the United States Air Force. He was a talented navigator and retired as a Lieutenant Colonel after 22 years of service in the USAF. He was a member of the 463rd Airlifters Association and the 37th Tactical Airlift Squadron, with his most recent reunion with his Air Force buddies in September 2021.

George was a true outdoorsman. Some of his most joyful days were spent in the woods quietly listening for an approaching buck or out on the water with a fish pole in his hand. George loved to travel. He treasured his time in the service traveling the world and was always grateful that it brought him to Panama City, Panama where he met his beautiful wife, Ana Patricia. George was a devoted volunteer. He was incredibly proud of his work at the Dayton Veteran's Hospital and greatly valued his role in organizing the annual Veteran's picnic and Christmas party. George was a family man. He was a proud husband, father, and grandfather. You could always count on a phone call or birthday card and if you were his grandson that would also include cards for Valentine's, St. Patrick's, Easter, Halloween, and Thanksgiving. George was a loyal, considerate, and lifelong friend. He was always willing to go out of his way for others. He carried tow chains in the Jeep just in case he came across someone who needed a tow. Last, but not least, George was a man of faith. Whether in his hometown or on the road, he found a place of worship for Sunday morning service. The loss of George will be felt by many.

In addition to his parents, George was preceded in death by his brother and best friend, Richard "Jack" Simons; sisters, Helen Bailey, Louise Conley and Rosemary Simons; and son-in-law, Jason Stumpf.

George is survived by his wife of 48 years, Ana "Pat" Simons; daughters Terry Stumpf (Kenny Cutliff) and Laura Simons (Rikard Wicksell) her sons, Henry and Walter Giardi and their father Michael Giardi; sister Marie Light; as well as numerous other family members and friends.

The family will receive friends on Monday November 22, 2021 from 11:00am to 1:00pm at Newcomer Funeral Home (3380 Dayton-Xenia Road, Beavercreek, Ohio 45432). A memorial service will begin at 1:00pm with a procession to Dayton National Cemetery for military funeral honors at 2:30pm.

In lieu of flowers, consider donating to the American Legion of Ohio in George Simons' honor. The Legion helps veterans and their families during times of need and provides college scholarship opportunities.

https://www.ohiolegion.com/charities-inc/

To share a memory of George or to leave a special message for his family, please visit the guestbook below.