Denison, Texas -- Edward "Ed" Simms, of Denison, Texas, passed away peacefully on February 5, 2026, at the age of 80.
Edward Alfred Simms, Jr., was born on August 24, 1945, in Tulsa, Oklahoma, to Edward Simms, Sr., and Katrina (Cochneuer) Simms. He was a tribal member by blood of the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma.
Ed graduated from Denison High School in 1964. He went on to earn a bachelor’s degree in physical education from Southeastern University in Durant, Oklahoma, in 1969. That same year, he married his sweetheart, Susan Bigbee, and enlisted in the United States Air Force. Ed proudly served his country for 20 years, reaching the rank of Technical Sergeant. He returned to Denison after his retirement in 1989.
Ed was a man of many passions. He was an enthusiastic follower of high school football and is arguably the biggest Yellow Jacket fan in Denison history. His other favorite teams include the Oklahoma Boomer Sooners, Dallas Cowboys, Dallas Mavericks, Texas Rangers, and Dallas Stars.
When Ed wasn’t watching sports, you could find him at one of the local car dealerships to test-drive the newest models. He loved learning about history and sharing what he knew with others. Most of all, Ed loved spending time with his family. Some of his happiest moments were simply being together, sharing meals, laughter, and conversation. He especially enjoyed taking his family out to eat at their favorite restaurants, and he never turned down a good hamburger, his all-time favorite food.
A devoted member of his church communities, Ed spent many years as a deacon and teaching Sunday School at Parkside Baptist Church, and later, teaching at Living Hope Fellowship Church. He was also a member of The Gideons International.
Ed is survived by his loving wife, Susan (Bigbee) Simms of Denison; his three daughters, Alicia Hight of McKinney, Laura Fulenchek of Denison, and Holly Case of Bluffdale, Utah. He was blessed with eleven grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. Also surviving is niece Jennifer Vance of Austin; his two cousins, Georgia Ann Gibson of Durant, Oklahoma, and Steve Nail of Hampton, Georgia.
He is preceded in death by his parents, and his daughter Paula Elizabeth, brother-in-law Joe Bigbee, and sister-in-law Billie June Houston.
Ed will be remembered for his unwavering loyalty, his heartfelt laughter, and the quiet strength with which he touched the lives of those who knew him.
Services will be held at 1:00 p.m. Wednesday, February 11, 2026 at Living Hope Fellowship Church in Denison, with Pastor Tim Franklin, officiating. Burial with full Military Honors will follow at Willow Wild Cemetery, Bonham, TX.
Pallbearers will be Brian Kirby, Johnnie Smith, Eddie Brunk, Thomas Miller, Joseph Miller and Virgil Hays.
The family will receive friends from 5:00 p.m. till 7:00 p.m. Tuesday, February 10, 2026 at Fisher Funeral Home in Denison.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Ed’s name to Living Hope Fellowship, the church he faithfully served.
