Where to start. Cathy was a great love in my life. We dated for a couple of Summer months after High School, in Boonville, MO.
It was love at first sight, and tragic when it ended. But, while it endured, it was magical.
Boonville is sort of a sleepy town, and really nothing to do, so we had to make our own fun. I had built up what was then known as a hotrod, with a large gas guzzling engine, with tri-power carburetion, for those of you who know about 50's cars.
We would take it out at night and burn up the county roads with it, and usually ended up parked in some hayfield.
One night the time got away from us, and I knew I was going to be in trouble with Cal. As I topped a hill headed back into town, there was a HP cruiser. We went by him at 110. He turned his light bar. Cathy said darn, that was Daddy.
I knew I was dead. But, then, the lights went off, and the cruiser went the other way. The next afternoon, when I went to pick up Cathy, Cal and Gladys were sitting in the living room. He said, a little late last night, weren't you. I said, yes sir, I will do better. He just looked over the top of his newspaper.
Our time together was straight out of American Graffiti. Hot nights and long days of work that seemed to never end.
Cathy was a wonderful girl. Every young man's dream. She was smart, and beautiful, and happy, and fun to be with.
It seems that after reading her obituary, we would have been very compatible in later life.
After a 20 year military career as an officer, and Engineer in the Air Force, I became a Civil Rights leader. I spent the next 20 years fighting for Equality for women and others that the military likes to call minorities.
I am still a progressive Democrat, and an environmentalist. I also still teach Judo, as I have for 61 years. I am married to Sally, and after 55 years, we have 2 children, and 5 Grandchildren. It's been a wonderful life, so far. But, that doesn't mean that I have forgotten Cathy.
You never forget times like we had together. I tried to find her several times, but sadly, unsuccessfully. We had some good times to remember and share.
She literally changed the course of my life, by openly sharing her experiences & thoughts with me - during a very stressful time in my life. I'll always remember her for this & for her unending kindness to me -and my dad who also came to see her & Lori's beautiful urban garden - FOREVER GRATEFUL for having met her, first via Urban Farm Tour :). My heart goes out to Lori and her whole family! Cathryn was and is now - officially an ANGEL :).
Kay Barnes: My thoughts of Cathryn are myriad & heart-warming! Even though our paths have not crossed often in the last
decade, I always remember vividly our many times together, fraught with friendship, laughs, occasional frustration with
the world around us, and most importantly, Cathryn's unwavering love of life, love, and "getting on with it"....!!
She has been a very bright light in all our lives!
I call people like your Mom-"Benchmark people".. They leave an impression of goodness on whoever they cross paths with this in this world. Isn't that all you could ever hope to achieve in a lifetime. She earned all of it and lived her truth-authenticity is such an everlasting attribute to leave for your family. Sincere condolences to the entire Simmons family.
There she is! My oldest and bestest friend! What a wonderful life she lived and what a wonderful way she lived it. I will be forever grateful for her love and friendship during our 60 years as besties! She showed me what it means to be a strong woman while also being a caring woman who loves family and justice. Thank you my dear friend for every minute we were together in life. I will miss you forever.........
Wow! What a beautiful testament to a beautiful woman (I love this picture.) May Cathryn's family feel the arms of love surrounding them at this difficult time from all those who know and admire you. Hugs!
Where to start. Cathy was a great love in my life. We dated for a couple of Summer months after High School, in Boonville, MO.
It was love at first sight, and tragic when it ended. But, while it endured, it was magical.
Boonville is sort of a sleepy town, and really nothing to do, so we had to make our own fun. I had built up what was then known as a hotrod, with a large gas guzzling engine, with tri-power carburetion, for those of you who know about 50's cars.
We would take it out at night and burn up the county roads with it, and usually ended up parked in some hayfield.
One night the time got away from us, and I knew I was going to be in trouble with Cal. As I topped a hill headed back into town, there was a HP cruiser. We went by him at 110. He turned his light bar. Cathy said darn, that was Daddy.
I knew I was dead. But, then, the lights went off, and the cruiser went the other way. The next afternoon, when I went to pick up Cathy, Cal and Gladys were sitting in the living room. He said, a little late last night, weren't you. I said, yes sir, I will do better. He just looked over the top of his newspaper.
Our time together was straight out of American Graffiti. Hot nights and long days of work that seemed to never end.
Cathy was a wonderful girl. Every young man's dream. She was smart, and beautiful, and happy, and fun to be with.
It seems that after reading her obituary, we would have been very compatible in later life.
After a 20 year military career as an officer, and Engineer in the Air Force, I became a Civil Rights leader. I spent the next 20 years fighting for Equality for women and others that the military likes to call minorities.
I am still a progressive Democrat, and an environmentalist. I also still teach Judo, as I have for 61 years. I am married to Sally, and after 55 years, we have 2 children, and 5 Grandchildren. It's been a wonderful life, so far. But, that doesn't mean that I have forgotten Cathy.
You never forget times like we had together. I tried to find her several times, but sadly, unsuccessfully. We had some good times to remember and share.
I wonder, if she thought about me?
Rest in peace, beautiful.
John