Dr. Merl Wayne Simmons
1952-2020
The caring, compassionate, and extremely humble, Dr. Merl Simmons passed away on February 12, 2020 at age 67. He served his family and the Edmond community with dedication and love. For more than 40 years, Merl served as the pediatrician for thousands of children, including multiple generations of the same families.
Born September 23, 1952 in Pampa, Texas to Granville and Mildred Simmons, Merl graduated from Perryton Texas High School in 1971. While at Perryton, Merl met the love of his life and his best friend Rona Pitts, who he later married on July 5, 1974.
After high school, Merl attended Texas Tech University where he was a member of the athletics support group known as the Saddle Tramps. He wanted to become a doctor and enrolled at University of Texas Medical Branch Galveston. Merl loved children and pursued a specialty in Pediatrics. He completed his residency and internship at The Children's Hospital in Oklahoma City in 1979.
Merl and his family joined Crossings Community Church in 1998 where he was a member of the choir from day one. An avid sports fan, Merl loved basketball, baseball, and football. Merl coached youth basketball and baseball. Each winter he took time to attend women's college basketball games especially at his beloved Texas A&M. Merl loved the game of golf and was a founding member of Oak Tree Country Club. He discovered a love for photography after years of travel and bird watching with his wife Rona. He enjoyed taking photos of his grandchildren and capturing photos of wildlife, namely birds, in their natural habitat.
His true passion was supporting his family. He attended a variety of activities involving his family from basketball and soccer games, to cheerleading and dance recitals, and Little Wranglers dancing, Merl loved it all. He liked working with his hands and took on a variety of projects that benefited his family ranging from woodworking to landscaping, including home remodeling.
Merl opened Edmond's first private pediatrics practice in 1979. A board certified pediatrician, and member of the American Academy of Pediatrics, the Lord led Merl to join Mercy Clinics in 1998 serving originally at the Memorial clinic and for the past 12 years at the Santa Fe clinic.
Mercy leaned on Merl's expertise, experience, and leadership. He served as the Oklahoma representative to the Sisters of Mercy Pediatric Specialty Council, was the Medical Director for Mercy Edmond Santa Fe Clinic, served as Chief of Medicine for 12 years at Mercy Hospital, while also working behind the scenes as a significant contributor to the design of the Mercy Physicians compensation package. He served on the Mercy Kids Board of Directors which provides oversight to the Mercy Regional Health System.
Merl was affiliated with several hospitals including Mercy Hospital in Oklahoma City, and Lakeside Women's Hospital.
He was an integral part in the creation of The Edmond Hope Center, serving on its initial board. He also was a longtime supporter of Anna's House Foundation.
Merl is survived by his wife Rona Simmons and by his loving family including son Roe Simmons, son Djuan Simmons, daughter Charlee Miller, daughter Elie Cantrell, brothers Rusty Simmons, and Reece Jackson and Brett Simmons.
Daughters-in-law Tara Simmons and Sarah Simmons, son-in-law's Steve Miller, and Aaron Cantrell.
Grandchildren he affectionately referred to as his munchkins: Genevieve Simmons, Grace Simmons, Garett Simmons, Mason Simmons, Elizabeth Miller, Raelyn Simmons, Adelynn Miller, Samantha Miller, and Charlotte Cantrell.
A celebration of the life of Dr. Merl Simmons will be held Saturday February 15, 2020 at Crossings Community Church, Portland campus, at 11am.
Merl dedicated his life to helping children and the family is asking that his friends help continue his legacy. In lieu of flowers the family encourages the support of a scholarship created in Merl's name to help foster children impacted by Anna's House who are pursuing a degree to become a pediatrician or a pediatric nurse.