Anthony Wayne "Tony" Simons

I never thought I would be in this position, however, here I am, writing the obituary for the astounding man that is my dad.

Tony Wayne Simons, 60, of Indianapolis, IN, passed away suddenly on October 23, 2021. He was born September 10, 1961 in Indianapolis, IN to the late James “Jim” E. and Sharon D. (Smith) Simons. He is survived by his wife, Judy L. Simons, his daughter Amy (Michael) Saxby, grandchildren Landon and Kairi Saxby, sister Jennie Simons, his nephews Brandon Simons and Michael “Wheels” Simons, and his special uncle John “Crow” Simons. Besides his parents, he is also preceded in death by his special uncle Rick Smith. My dad loved fishing, NASCAR, classic rock, Booger (his cat), and his trucks.

Where do I even begin to summarize the life my dad had? He was the most wonderful person and had touched so many lives. He made sure he called me at least two times a day – once in the morning, asking if the kids had “gotten to schooooool yet”, and the other when he got off work, just to check in. He would always begin his phone calls with, “Amy, this is your faaaaather. Not the Pope. Not John Stamos. Your dad.” And what I wouldn’t give to hear those words again. He was always checking in. Always. On everyone. There wasn’t a person that he wouldn’t give the shirt off his back to. If he had it and you needed it, it was yours. He was so kind, even if he would like to pretend he wasn’t. Don’t let him fool you.

He loved his grandkids more than anything in this entire world. There was nothing like Landon and Kairi to him. They lit up his world. He would always put them to work by raking up the leaves in the yard for a few dollars (which always ended up turning into a few more…and a few more…). He had nicknamed Landon “Snake” and Kairi “Sweetcakes” and that’s what they knew themselves as to him. They adored him to no end. I take comfort in knowing that he will always be with them, guiding them and helping calm them down and get levelheaded, just like he did with me.

Some of my favorite memories of my dad are at the Cataract Bean Dinner. He loved going there and so did I. It was that special family thing we did every year and we continued it, even after the kids were born. He also would take my mom and I down to Brown County and we would toss around a Nerf football while listening to the best jams. The Styx, Bob Segar, Led Zeppelin, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Fleetwood Mac, the works.

He was the most amazing handy man. He was “Mr. Fix It”. If there was anything wrong with literally anything, my dad could fix it. All he had to do was tinker around with something for just a minute and it was done. He was so skilled and knowledgeable about so many things. I loved our long talks the most. I have learned so much from him.

He will be missed dearly by so many people.

Visitation will be held on Friday, October 29, 2021 12:00pm – 2:00pm and the funeral service will begin at 2:00pm at Flanner and Buchanan Decatur Township. He will be laid to rest at Floral Park Cemetery. The family request that any memorial contributions be made to the American Lung Association. To sign his online guest registry and share a favorite memory of Tony, you are invited to go to www.flannerbuchanan.com