Alma Koyle Simmons

Alma Koyle Simmons, age 92, passed away on June 26, 2019 after living a life full of love, generosity, and hard work. He was born April 3, 1927, in Bingham Canyon, UT to Koyle and Lavonda (Hansen) Simmons. He married his sweetheart, Beverly (Hardcastle) Simmons, on April 17, 1953 in the Salt Lake City Temple. Friends arranged a blind date where Alma and Beverly met at a church Gold and Green Ball in Sandy where she was the Queen. At age 13 to 16, he edited and published a Bingham neighborhood weekly newspaper, The Carr Fork News, that sold for 2 cents a copy with 30 ads at 10 cents each that he and his sister delivered. His father wanted to buy a farm and he helped with a $200 down payment from money he earned selling newspapers.

He faithfully served his country in the U. S. Army. He graduated from the University of Utah as an electrical engineer. He also attended an electrical and radio school in Chicago where he received honors. He worked in various engineer positions in the Northeastern United States and California. He worked as an electrical engineer for 35 years with Sperry UNIVAC in UT. He was a faithful member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and served in many callings; e.g., bishopric, family history (20 years), ward choir, YM priest advisor. The young men enjoyed Alma as their leader and he worked well with the youth.

He loved the outdoors and nature as well as going to such places as Zion National Park, Yellowstone, and the canyons. He loved singing and playing the violin. Some of his favorite songs were "Ole Faithful" and "Utah Trail," sung by the Sons of the Pioneers. He had a gentle disposition, was kind, humble, patient, and a hard worker.

Alma and Beverly were married for 66 years. They enjoyed spending time with each other square dancing, raising a family, and living life to the fullest. He truly loved his wife, family, and friends. We will miss him dearly.

He is survived by his wife, Beverly; his three children: Pamela Tanner Morgan (Blake), Debra Bowers (Dave), and Shauna Williams (Gar). He is also survived by 13 grandchildren, 14 great-grandchildren, and many nephews, nieces, and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Jean (Simmons) Oakeson; and son-in-law, Alan Tanner. Special thanks for help and loving care given by friends, family, Rocky Mountain Hospice, and Utah National Guard Honors Group.

Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, July 3, 2019 at 11:00 am at the Mt. Jordan 3rd Ward chapel, 8950 S. 400 E., Sandy, UT. Viewing will be held at Goff Mortuary, 8090 S. State Street, Midvale, UT, on Tuesday, July 2nd from 6:00-8:00 pm and Wednesday at the church prior to the funeral from 9:45-10:45 am. Interment, Sandy City Cemetery, 700 E. 9000 S., Sandy, UT 84070.