Bernard Leo Simmons Jr.

     Bernard ("Barney") Leo Simmons, Jr., Terrell, Texas, passed away peacefully at 1:29 p.m. on June 7, 2024. He was surrounded by family and his rescue dog, Dancer. There were so many angels and so much love in the room as he rode that old BSA motorcycle to Heaven. There to meet him were his mother, Audrey; his father, Bernie; his brother Lennie: grandsons Brandon and Adam; and so many friends, including his good friend and uncle Terry Brown. I'm sure he will also enjoy meeting those old country and rock singers he loved who passed before him. There was music around the campfire that night, for sure. 
   
     Bernard/Barney Simmons was born on September 12, 1948, in Coshocton, Ohio, to Bernard and Audrey Simmons. He graduated from Duluth Vocational Tech Institute in Duluth, Minnesota with an Associates Degree in Civil Engineering. 
   
     Barney married Trana Mae Cantner on Thanksgiving Day in 1966, and they were married for 57 years. They met through Trana's aunt, Belle Brown, in February 1966, in Coshocton, Ohio. They had two sons, Bernard Joseph (Joe) Simmons and Kelly Kermit Simmons, who both survive him. The family enjoyed many years of traveling, camping, fishing and hunting together in Colorado, Texas, Minnesota and other states. Barney found an old BSA motorcycle one day, and from then on, he and that bike were joined at the hip. It was a sad day when back surgery prevented him from riding. Barney also loved to sing along with the Country and Sixties songs all his life. Even in hospice, unable to speak, Barney would sing along to songs played for him. He was also able to hear his niece, Emily Haavik's latest song, Drive. Another love of Barney's life was the animals around him, currently his special little rescue, Dancer. Two others he loved were his Dobies, Bonnie One and Bonnie Two.
      
     Barney retired from the City of Terrell in 2006, after 20 years of working as an Engineering Technician, which he enjoyed the most of all his years of various other jobs. He also worked in construction, the oil refineries, the engineering department of Amoco, and as a mechanic. He never tired of crawling under those cars or being nose deep in their engines. Barney always took wonderful care of his family, working hard to make sure they were fed and clothed, plus had a roof over their heads. His family was the most important thing in his life. He had a sense of humor that just wouldn't quit. His friends told tales of the Barney jokes over and over. 

     Barney is survived by his wife, Trana Mae Simmons; his son Joe Simmons and wonderful, caring wife Lisa; his son Kelly Simmons; grandsons Ransom Simmons, his mother Tammy Powell; and Bryan Hasley (who is conducting the memorial service), his wife Claire. Barney's great-grandchildren Brylee Simmons, Hunter Hasley, Hallie Hasley, and one on the way. His sisters: Pat Sopchak, her children: Tammy Holder, husband Dean and their son Chance; Ray Alan and his son Stacy; Ellen Brink, her daughter Debbie Bercot, husband Jason, and grandchildren Leighanna, James and Taylor. His niece Lisa Sopchak, her daughter Melissa Nichols, husband Brandon, their children Ashland and Payne, grandchild Alexander. His niece Sheila Klein and her husband Calvin, children Russell and Ashley. His sister-in-law Ann Riddle and her sons Richard, David, his wife Lindsay, and Michael, his wife Alyssa and their daughters Julia and Maribelle. His brother-in-law Kermit Cantner, his wife Lee, and their daughter Diana, her daughter Victoria. His sister-in-law Sally Haavik, her husband Chuck, and their daughters Rebecca Koster, husband Ryan, their son, Judah, and Emily Haavik, husband Phil Miller and their son, Robbie. His aunt Belle Brown and her daughters Shari Jett, her husband Rickie and their daughters Savanna, and Ocie Wilden, her sons Preston and Lucas; Sammi Brown and her children, David Nation; Cody Goodrich, his wife Ashley and their son Ty; and Tara Goodrich, husband Josh Owen and children Nevaeh, her son Zion, Joe and Rayelynne. His aunts, Joy Cooley, Eva Kantner, and Pat Goebel. His good friends, Timmy Smith, Jeremy Mewbourn, and Dianna Miller. There are also dozens of cousins and other friends. 

     Barney's memorial service will be held at: Goggans Funeral Home 1911 North Frances St. Terrell, Texas 75160 Friday, June 28, 2024 At 2:00 p.m. Officiating: Barney and Trana’s grandson, Bryan Hasley