Thomas Joe Simmons

Thomas Joe Simmons, 86, passed away July 4, 2025, at Ascension St. Vincent Kokomo Hospital. Nicknamed “Tommy Joe” by his family, he was born September 9, 1938, to Lloyd Calvin “Tommy” and Mary Elizabeth (Stokes) Simmons. On June 10, 1962, he married his college sweetheart Margaret R. “Polly” Pepper.

A graduate of Kokomo High School (1956) and Butler University (1961), Tom taught high school English and history before attending Indiana University School of Law in Indianapolis. He earned his license to practice law from the Indiana Bar Association in 1966. Named partner with O’Mahoney, Kinsey, Mahoney, and Simmons law firm early in his career, Tom spent most of his 46-year professional life in private practice with Jim Fleming at Simmons & Fleming Attorneys at Law.

During his career, Tom acted as county attorney and deputy prosecutor, as well as serving on the Kokomo Housing Authority Board of Commissioners. He was also a former president of the Kokomo Country Club and Elks B.P.O.E. Lodge and a member of Delta Tau Delta fraternity.

An avid golfer, gardener, and fisherman, Tom loved spending time in the great outdoors. Always an athlete, he lettered in football, basketball, and baseball during his high school years. He also enjoyed playing cards and cribbage, reading, cooking, traveling, and attending Butler Bulldogs men’s basketball games. He will join his buddy Lance Middlekauff in the skybox for the 2025–26 season.

Tom is survived by his wife Polly; daughters, Mary Beth (Dan) Busby of La Grange, IL, and Andrea Ratcliff of Indianapolis; grandchildren, Brendan, Cate, and Erin Busby of La Grange, IL; and siblings, Bill Simmons and Donna (Dave) Shuck of Kokomo.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his sister Carolyn Sue Hand.

An informal celebration of life will be held Saturday, August 9, from 1 to 4 p.m. at the Kokomo Country Club, 1801 Country Club Drive, Kokomo. Friends and family are invited to gather and share heartwarming memories, funny stories, and personal anecdotes. Inurnment will take place in Sunset Memory Garden Cemetery at a later date. Shirley & Stout Funeral Homes & Crematory had been entrusted with arrangements. Memorial donations may be made to the Alzheimer's Association Greater Indiana Chapter, Butler Bulldog Club, or Kokomo Park Band.

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