Richard Lee Simon, 95 of Robinson, passed away Friday, January 7, 2022, due to complications from COVID 19.
Visitation: 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday, January 20, 2022, at Lake Shore Funeral Home, 5201 Steinbeck Bend in Waco.
Funeral Service: 10 a.m. Friday, January 21, 2022, at Lake Shore Funeral Home Chapel with burial following at Oakwood Cemetery with Pastor John Wachsmann officiating. A Video Life Tribute will be shown at the funeral service and during visitation. Click here to View the Live Stream of the Service.
Richard was born September 30, 1926, in St. Louis, Missouri to Oliver R. and Miriam A. (Miller) Simon. He was married to Margaret A. Sloan on August 3, 1953 in Mississippi until her passing in 2008. He married his second wife, Wanda (Pelanconi) Provence, whom he met at Highland Baptist Church, on January 1, 2010, in Robinson, Texas.
Richard grew up in St. Louis, Missouri and served in the US Navy from 1943-1947 receiving several service metals and ribbons. He trained at the US Naval Training School in 1944 becoming a Radio Officer 1st Class and serving aboard the USS Tate and USS Kittiwake. After his military service, he continued his career as a Radio Officer in the Merchant Marines (civilian mariners) until his retirement in 1984 traveling all over the world aboard numerous merchant ships and tankers. Richard “Pop” loved the game of baseball and played minor league in Alabama as a young adult as well as during his senior years in the softball league in Ft. Worth earning several awards and championships. He also served as a coach for many years in the Bosqueville area teaching youngsters his love of the game. After retirement, he operated a photography business focusing on sports events. He also enjoyed woodworking, gardening and attending all the Baylor Lady Bears basketball games.
He was preceded in death by his parents; first wife, Margaret A. (Sloan) Simon; brother, William Simon; daughter, Sharon L. Gonzalez; and grandson, Justin Warren.
Those left behind to cherish his memory include his wife, Wanda E. Simon; daughter, Carol Aleman and husband, Randy of Waco; sons, Russ Simon of Dallas; Mark Simon and wife, Bonnie of Corsicana; grandsons, Tyson Johnson and wife, Jennifer; Scott Aleman; granddaughters, Brandi Hatley and husband, Chris, Heather Aleman, Brooke Horton and husband, Brandon; and Brittney Simon; and four great grandchildren. Surviving members from his marriage to Wanda Provence are her son, Dana Provence, and wife, Amy; daughter, Wendy Ross, and husband Michael, and four grandchildren.
Memorials may be made in his honor to your charity of choice.
Place of Service: Lake Shore Funeral Home Chapel , 5201 Steinbeck Bend; Waco, TX 76708
Print Obituary & Condolences
Russ, I am so very sorry for your loss. You and all your family are in my prayers. Sending you love and peace.
Love, Jeannette and the Miller family
So sorry to hear of Richard’s passing. Carol is a special friend of my sister in law Janice. Met Richard and Margaret and didn’t know them too well. I do remember Richard was a very friendly and kind man. Condolences to his wife and family.
You are in my thoughts, Russ, Mark, and Carol. I didn’t know your father well, as he was away on duty during the time I lived with you, but I do remember watching a Super Bowl with him. Mark, I still have the photo you gave me of you in your football uniform. Hope you are all doing well. My condolences to the entire family.
As a co-worker of Randy and Carol at Waco PD, my condolences to the family. To be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord. Prayers & blessings. 🙏