Scott Edward Simmons' journey began on January 19, 1978, in Springfield Missouri. At the age of 3, he along with his younger sister, were adopted by Steve and Barbara Simmons (Todd). Scott was a very frail child with beautiful blue eyes. He was bright and articulate. One year he achieved the highest score in the state of Missouri on a science evaluation test. However, hopes for a bright future changed with a diagnosis of Crohn's disease and Children's Mercy Hospital became his home away from home.
Scott's life was filled with challenges. When Scott turned 19 he "aged out" of Children's Mercy. It was the only care he had ever known and his safe haven. They sent him out with best wishes for another year or two of longevity. A lucky day it was for Scott when he quickly met Dr. William Sullivan. Dr. Sullivan had a fresh determination to research and study Crohn's Disease and treat Scott's illness. As a result of Dr. Sullivan's efforts and the staff at Sullivan Clinic, Scott lived more than twice as long as expected. He passed away at the age of 45.
Scott was a passionate reader. He became very well-versed in many areas but history and the Civil War were his favorites. He loved fishing and was patient enough to catch some big ones. He loved Chicken and Noodle Night at Gebhardt's restaurant and thought Meg Gebhardt was the best. He was a wonderful swimmer. At the age of 7, he rescued a small baby from the floor of a pool where he was swimming and calmly walked away like the superhero he wanted to be. Scott attended every football game he could. Win or lose, Always the Chiefs!!! Scott was a proud Purple Dragon, graduating with the class of 1997.
Scott struggled with independent living and ultimately became a client of Haven Support Services under the direction of Andrew Schwartz. Haven encouraged Scott to expand his passion for the Civil War. With the help of staff, Scott sewed his own uniform and became active in Civil War reenactments and living life in tents. He was able to travel to numerous reenactments as a member of an artillery section that actually fired old cannons. Blanks, of course, but an awesome bang and plenty of smoke. Scott was able to participate in battle reenactments in Springfield, Carthage, Harbor Village, Fort Scott, and Pea Ridge. And, of course, the annual reenactment at our very own Crawford County Museum during Little Balkans Days. Thank you, Amanda Minton, for listening annually with the same patience, fascination, and enthusiasm to Scott's story about the tornado that passed by him at Pea Ridge. Every year you treated it like a brand new story.
Scott suffered a life of Crohn's disease. He was a one-time cancer survivor of 15 years but in the end, cancer won, attacking his spine and leaving him paralyzed. Scott's journey ended at Freeman Hospital Sunday, June 25, 2023. By his side with unconditional love was his mother, Barbara Simmons Todd, his father Steve Simmons, stepfather Loren Todd, and cousin David Longan. David gave Scott one of the happiest days of his life by being born a boy. Scott is also survived by his grandmother, Margaret Engle, a sister, one niece and three nephews, aunts and uncles, and his cat.
Scott will be laid to rest at Highland Park Cemetery at 1 p.m. Friday, June 30, 2023. Graveside rites will be performed by the Rev. Jim Sukraw. Please direct expressions of sympathy to Pawprints on the Heartland, 225 E 21st St, Pittsburg, KS.
