Charles Warren Simmons

Charles Warren Simmons

January 20, 1932 - February 13, 2024

Send Flowers

Obituary

MADISON - Charles Warren “Charlie” “Chuck” Simmons, age 92, of Madison, passed away on Tuesday, Feb. 13, 2024, at Agrace HospiceCare in Fitchburg. He was born on Jan. 20, 1932, in Wyocena, the son of Chester and Ora (Allen) Simmons.


Charlie graduated from Pardeeville High School, class of 1950. He served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. Charlie married Clara Jo Ireland on July 26, 1967, at Wyocena Methodist Church. He proudly worked and served as a police officer for the City of Madison for 33 years, from 1955-1988.


Chuck enjoyed traveling around the world and spending time with his family. He had quite the personality, always a flirt, but in a fun-loving way. He enjoyed taking his grandsons deer hunting and handing out two-dollar bills and silver dollars as "tips." Chuck could be heard humming, whistling, or singing.


Charlie is survived by his son, Steven "Steve" Clark (Patricia "Pat") Thomas; grandchildren, Rusty (Pam) Thomas, Heather (Clay) Martin, Joe (Wendy) Thomas, Jeffrey (Jennifer) Thomas, Julie (Tony) Bovee, Chris (Brenda) Thomas II, CariAnn (Jason) Fowell; great-grandchildren, Trentin (Samantha) Thomas, Camden and Alora Thomas, Gabe (Lynsey Suggs) Martin, Pierce Martin, Rori, Skarlett, Sebastiaen Thomas, Aden, Chloe Thomas, Caleb, Haylee, Piper Bovee, Chris Thomas III, Ellyana and Addalyn Jensema, Caitlyn, Meghan, Thomas, Abigail Fowell; great-great-grandchildren, Aubrey Winkelman, Dean and Nathan Thomas; nieces, Marilyn Pund and Carol (Pund) Myren; nephews, Don (Carolyn) and Dan (Jenny) Pund; and seven grand-nieces and nephews and three great-grand-nieces; along with many other friends and family.


He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Clara Jo; sons, Daniel Thomas and Chris Thomas I; great-granddaughter, Ellie Thomas; and sister Joyce Pund.


A funeral service will be held at MONONA OAKS COMMUNITY CHURCH, 6200 Monona Drive, Monona, at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 27, 2024, with Pastor Concklin presiding. Burial with military honors will be held at Highland Memory Gardens. Visitation will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL AND CREMATION CARE, 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, from 3 p.m. until 5 p.m. on Monday, Feb. 26, 2024, and also at church from 10 a.m. until the time of the service on Tuesday.
 

Memorials may be gifted in Charlie’s name to Agrace HospiceCare.


Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.


Gunderson East
Funeral & Cremation Care
5203 Monona Drive
(608) 221-5420



Events

26
Visitation
Mon Feb 26, 2024 @ 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM CDT
Gunderson East Funeral & Cremation Care • 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, WI 53716
Get Directions
27
Visitation
Tue Feb 27, 2024 @ 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM CDT
Monona Oaks Community Church • 6200 Monona Dr., Monona, WI 53716
Get Directions
27
Funeral Service
Tue Feb 27, 2024 @ 11:00 AM - 11:45 AM CDT
Monona Oaks Community Church • 6200 Monona Dr., Monona, WI 53716
Get Directions
27
Luncheon After Service
Tue Feb 27, 2024 @ 12:00 PM - 1:30 PM CDT
Monona Oaks Community Church • 6200 Monona Dr., Monona, WI 53716
Get Directions
27
Graveside Service
Tue Feb 27, 2024 @ 2:00 PM - 2:30 PM CDT
Highland Memory Gardens • 3054 County Rd BB, Madison, WI 53718
Get Directions
27
Military Honors
Tue Feb 27, 2024 @ 2:15 PM - 2:30 PM CDT
Highland Memory Gardens • 3054 County Rd BB, Madison, WI 53718
Get Directions

Photos

Add photos
of Charles
Memorial wall photo

Memories

Add a memory of
Charles
GH
Gunderson Funeral Home
Other •
Shared a photo.
KH
Karen Hansen
Other •
Chuck was a wonderful man who always thought of others. He made sure kids had quarters for the offering plate, always said hi to everyone who came to church and always cared about others. A remarkable man who will be greatly missed. Thanks for everything Chuck, My Mom and Dad, my sister and I also loved you so much, Karen and Jeanne
PH
Phil Hubble
Other •
As I think of the years we were members of Faith Baptist/Monona Oaks Community Church, Chuck and Clara Jo Simmons stand out as people who welcomed our family warmly and who remained close friends. Chuck was a favorite of our young sons right from the start, and he and Clara Jo encouraged us as parents as our children matured. Chuck was such a model of Christian maturity as he handled Clara Jo’s death and stepped alongside many others in the church as they dealt with issues of life. He loved serving people, and he taught others how to do the same, leading by example. I see him at the front door with a handful of worship folders welcoming people. And there he is with his head under the hood of someone’s car trying to find out why it won’t start. Over here he is in his uniform talking to a group of kids about what the police do. Out by the hill going up Monona Drive he’s loading a live trap with a groundhog to remove it somewhere far away from the church where it can’t do any harm. And in the library he’s helping set up chairs for a meeting. Chuck moved all through the church and over the grounds lending a hand and making people feel welcome Thank You, God, for sharing Chuck with us and more for welcoming him home to be with You. Phil Hubble
BC
Becki Clark
Other •
On behalf of the Badger Honor Flight Board and all our volunteers, we extend our deepest condolences to you all, the family of Charles Warren Simmons. We are forever grateful and thankful for Charles' service to our great country. What an honor it was for us to take him on his well-deserved trip of a lifetime. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
RD
Richard Daley
Other •
Charlie was one of the kindest people one could ever know. He was a joy to work with.
JM
Judy Metz
Other •
I only knew Charles the 3 years that I lived at Oak Park Place. He was a bit of a ham, a flirt, handy out candy, singing or humming in the hallway, arranging chairs a nd and people. Always nice and pleasant and fun to be around. He will be missed. Rest in peace, Charlie. Judy Metz

Share memorial