On Friday, January 19, 2018 C.L. Simco traded in his cowboy hat for a halo.

Cecil Leslie "C.L." Simco was born on the creek south of Lovers Leap Bridge on December 30, 1940 to Cecil Wright Simco and Floyd Wilson Simco in Gunter, Texas. He and his sister, Wanda Jean Butterfield, grew up in Gunter and graduated from Van Alstyne High School in 1959. As a child, he loved to ride horses and play on the creek bottom.

C.L. attended business school in Dallas in 1959 and worked for Red Ball Motor Freight. He met the love of his life, Mary Moody, and they married on December 28, 1962 in Van Alstyne.

C.L. served in the United States Army in 1964. He was a packer livestock buyer for numerous companies including Longhorn Meat Packers, L & H Meat Packing and San Angelo Pack. He was the proud owner and operator of Simco Cattle Company.

On April 1, 1970, C.L. and Mary welcomed a son, Leslie (Keith) Simco. On July 27, 1998, Keith married Diana Coyle Simco. “Keithy” was the first light of C.L.’s life, and then Princess Simco (Hunter Leslie Hayes Simco) was born on May 19, 1999.

Everyone that knew C.L. knew that he loved God (first and foremost), his family, friends and his community. He also enjoyed hunting in Colorado, the National Finals Rodeo, music, singing and everything related to farming and ranching. C.L. was involved in various philanthropic efforts including a multitude of annual scholarships and fundraising for the local senior center. He was awarded numerous accolades throughout his life and most recently received Hometown Hero from Modern Woodmen of America. He was a hero to all that knew him and he blessed every life he touched.

C.L. Simco is preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Mary; son and daughter-in-law, Keith and Diana; granddaughter, Hunter; sister, Jean; niece, Sharron; nephew Ricky and numerous loved ones.

The family will be at Greywood Heights Church of God in Van Alstyne on Tuesday, January 23 from 6:00 p.m.- 8:00 p.m. for Visitation and a funeral service will be held on Wednesday, January 24 at 2:00 p.m. with burial to follow at Van Alstyne Cemetery.

Greywood Heights Church of God is located at 352 Sanford Cir Van Alstyne, TX 75495.

The service will be officiated by Bobby Hash, Scott Knight and Ray Evers.

Honorary pallbearers will be Doc Conard, David Crook, Mike Hynds, Robert Hynds, Pat Patterson, Tommy Smith, Jack Strickland, and Mike Vance.

Pallbearers will be Randle Jones, Paul Lawrence, David McLain, Harold Patterson, Barry Pilier, Phillip Wildman, Aaron Williams, Brad Vickory. Arrangements are under the direction of Scoggins Funeral Home & Crematory, 637 W. Van Alstyne Parkway, Van Alstyne. 903-482-5225. You may sign the online guest book at www.scogginsfuneralhome.com