Boyd Martin Simmons

Boyd Martin Simmons, age 76 years, passed in his home, March 14, 2016 surrounded by loving family. He is the beloved husband of Linda Louise Simmons; and cherished father of Tonna Marie Susaeta, Jeanna Lee Underwood (Darrell), Boyd Martin (Mart) Simmons Jr., Todd Matthew Simmons, Chad Horton Simmons (Shelli), Shane Criston Simmons; and cherished stepfather of Erika Ruth Ozosky, David Sean Merkley, Michael Ross Clements, and April LaVonne James (Phil).

He leaves a growing posterity of 30 grandchildren and two great grandchildren including step. He is preceded in death by his parents, Edward Searle Simmons and True Vilate Simmons, two brothers, Edward Searle Simmons Jr., and a baby boy who died shortly after birth, and four sisters, True Hone, Lila Vilate Andrew, Audrey Jane Long, and Wanda June Wilkins.

Boyd was a dedicated member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints and served faithfully in many callings including two bishoprics and serving three Inner City Missions which totaled 13 years.

He loved his wife Linda and cared for her deeply. He made life easier for her in any way he could and always wished he could do even more.

Boyd loved his children. He continually prayed for them and loved them to the best of his ability. There is no question in any of his children's minds that he loves them.

Boyd will always be remembered by his family and many friends as one with a sense of humor, a hearty laugh and a huge heart. He lived a life of service, always finding ways to make life easier for others.

He was a certified Doctor of Mechanics. He had a genius mind in creating ways to fix things that might seem unfixable, to make things last longer, more durable, sturdy,  more comfortable or easier to use, and more functional.  He blessed many lives in this way and gave selflessly of his time and talents. His family and friends had 100% confidence that if it needed to be fixed, Boyd would find a way to not only fix it, but improve on the original.

Boyd was solid not only in his knowledge of mechanical things and how they worked but in his testimony of his Father in Heaven and his Savior Jesus Christ. He lived his life purposefully to be an exemplar of his faith. He was a great example to his family, friends and others of Christ-like love.

This is the essence of Boyd that we can only have an inkling of.  At this time of his passing,  we honor and celebrate his life and joyfully acknowledge his return to family members and friends on the other side and to his Father in Heaven and his Savior Jesus Christ, whom he loved and did continually strive to know. Boyd was a good man, honest, and even though living with the effects of past injuries, was capable and hard working. He is an inspiration and a great example to us all.

He is deeply loved and will be dearly missed.

Family and friends are invited to a Memorial Gathering, March 26, 2016 at the LDS Chapel, at 4200 W. Skye Drive, South Jordan, UT 84009 at 11:00am directly followed by a Memorial Service at 12:00pm. After a family luncheon, graveside services will be performed at the Mapleton Cemetery, 620 W. Maple Street, Mapleton, UT 84664.

In lieu of flowers, family and friends may choose to donate to Hearts Knit Together at www.HeartsknitTogether.org