Clifford Thomas Simmel

Clifford Thomas Simmel passed away peacefully on January 29, 2025, in Arlington, TX. He was 84. Cliff’s early years were marked by a strong sense of purpose and deep connection to his faith. He attended Pilot Point High School, where he played clarinet in the band. He briefly attended seminary, contemplating a calling to become a priest, a reflection of his unwavering relationship with God. He carried that faith into a long and loving marriage with his beautiful wife, Lola. And for the past 18 years, Cliff was a devoted member of St Vincent De Paul Catholic Church, where he faithfully contributed to the church community, delivering Meals on Wheels and various other volunteer jobs.

Known for his remarkable ability to fix just about anything, Cliff was a skilled carpenter, electrician, mechanic, and plumber. He loved to tackle projects and was always ready to help family and friends with whatever needed fixing, no matter the size of the project. He used his skills to build his family home in Pilot Point and to help his family in renovating their own homes. Even in his later years, he was still volunteering to help family, friends, and neighbors with projects. That is what he did to relax. Family always came first for Cliff.

Cliff was always up to share stories with anyone he met. He loved spending time with family and friends, at cookouts, playing games and working puzzles, just to name a few. He enjoyed western novels and movies, and watching local sports and attending a few games each year. And he loved traveling. A few of his most memorable trips were to Italy with friends and his 50th wedding anniversary cruise with his family. He dedicated his life to his family and faith, and it was full of laughter and the quiet joy of being with those he loved. Cliff is preceded in death by his parents, Henry and Claire Simmel, and siblings, Patsy Simmel, Ruth Boyd, and Nicky Simmel. He is survived by his loving wife of 63 years, Lola, and their three children, Tommy Simmel (Jeff Shockley) of Euless, TX; Kenny Simmel (Patty Christensen) of Arlington, TX; and Marsha Harris (Doug) of Arlington, TX; seven grandchildren, Brendon, Kevan, Ty, Brett, Shelby, Ashley, and Megan; and five great-grandchildren, Sonnet, Chase, Juniper, Rowan, and Lennox; as well as siblings, Gerry Tischler of Round Rock, TX; Kathy (Jerry) Whitley of Pilot Point, TX; Matt (Patty) Simmel of Denton, TX; and numerous nieces and nephews. A funeral Mass will be held at St. Vincent DePaul Catholic Church in Arlington, Texas. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to Meals On Wheels mealsonwheels.org or a charity of your choice.

 Cliff will be remembered for his strong faith, his love for his family and his unshakeable resolve to always lend a hand to those in need. He leaves behind a legacy of love, service, and devotion to his family and community. He will be missed, but will always live on in our memories. May he rest in peace.