+Former Supreme Director, PSD Terry L. Simonton

Terry L. Simonton, 74 of Heidenheimer, went to his eternal reward on Wednesday November 15, 2023 with his family at his side. He fought a courageous battle against Stage IV Metastatic Melanoma the past 1 ½ years. It was a conflict in which he was not defeated, but rather gained eternal reward that is given to all who believe in God and follow Him in His ways. He is loved beyond measure and his legacy will continue in the hearts and minds of those who knew him.

Terry was born on December 7, 1948 to F.D. and Rubye Johnson Simonton in Gatesville, TX. Shortly after he was born, the family moved to the Temple area. He graduated from Temple High School in l967 and attended Temple Junior College. Terry enlisted in U.S. Army Reserve in August, 1968 and was stationed at Fort Dix, New Jersey for his basic training. He received an Honorable Discharge in August, 1974. While stationed at Fort Dix, Terry converted to Catholicism.

On November 15, 1969, Terry married the love of his life, Estelle Merka, at S.S. Cyril & Methodius Catholic Church in Granger, Texas. They were blessed with a son, Terry Jr. born in 1970 and a daughter, Tracie born in 1974. Their 54th Wedding Anniversary was celebrated on the day Terry received his eternal reward.

Terry was employed at Firestone in Temple for several years before he entered into the surveying business. He spent over 40 years as a Surveyor, Field Supervisor, Project Manager and Office Manager.

Terry loved his family and enjoyed spending time with them. One of his favorite things was the family’s annual beach trip to Port Aransas. The entire family enjoyed this trip, but Terry was always the one that enjoyed it the most. He loved watching his family have a good time whether it was pitching washers, playing a little golf, or just sitting and relaxing on the beach. Terry also truly enjoyed watching his grandkids in all the different activities they were involved in. He was so very proud of his family and everything they had accomplished. His family meant the world to him.

Terry also enjoyed playing softball and coaching little league teams. He helped organize a slow-pitch league for the City of Temple. In his retirement when not busy with the KC’s, Terry enjoyed spending time on his 25 acres, on his tractor or cutting grass (whether it needed it or not!)

Terry was very involved in his Catholic faith. He was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church from 1969 to 2000 and then after moving to the Rogers area in 2000, he became a member of St. Matthew’s Catholic Church. He was involved in many different ministries in both churches. Terry was also a past president of KJT Society #114 and a member of Elks Lodge #138.

His Catholic faith led him to join the Knight of Columbus. He held many offices in Council 3444 and Council 12931 including Grand Knight of Council 3444 and Charter Grand Knight of Council 12931. Terry served in many leadership positions at the State level of the Knights of Columbus. These positions included District Deputy, Program Director, Charity Director, Membership Director, Treasurer, Secretary and State Deputy. During his time as State Deputy (2014-2016), he was awarded the Circle of Honor Awards. One of his highest achievements was being elected a Supreme Director in August, 2018. Two of the highlights of being a Supreme Director were being installed in Krakow, Poland and a pilgrimage to Rome/Vatican City. While in Vatican City, a private audience was held with Pope Francis with all the Supreme Board Members. Terry and Estelle were able to shake hands with Pope Francis. This was an honor and memory that will never be forgotten.

Left behind to cherish his memory are his wife Estelle of 54 years, son Terry Simonton Jr. and wife Ashley of Keller, daughter Tracie Sniggs and husband Glynn of Temple, grandchildren Jay Simonton. Leah Simonton, Kathryn Sniggs, and Sarah Sniggs. He is also survived by his sisters Pegi Jones, Nancy (Marvin) Spivey, Cathy (Clint) Harris and brother Don Simonton and a host of nieces, nephews, and friends.

Terry was preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Linda Simonton Doughty.

Memorial Contributions may be made to St. Matthew’s Catholic Church, P. O. Box 69, Rogers, Tx 76569 or to Texas State Council Charities, Knights of Columbus, 6633 Hwy 290 East, Suite 204, Austin, Tx 78723.