Aristides "Al" Martins" Simoes, Age: 86
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Jul 10, 1932---Nov 05, 2018

Al Simoes passed away early in the morning on November 5, 2018, after a weekend surrounded by family doing the things he always loved doing with them best—eating, talking, playing with the grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and watching the Chiefs win. He was proud to be an example of the American dream. He arrived in the United States as a young boy, having immigrated with his family from Portugal. He enlisted in the Air Force during the Korean War, where he was instrumental in deploying the then-new technology of microwave telecommunication. After his discharge, Al continued his career with New York Telephone Co and retired from AT&T after 40 years. He started supervising long lines installation and eventually earned his BA from Rockhurst College. He then transferred to AT&T’s marketing department, where he went on to help develop and implement AT&T’s affirmative action program. He played important corporate public relations roles during major events like the 1976 Republican National Convention; Al coordinated the Kansas/Missouri leg of the Olympic torch journey for the 1984 Olympics. Al was the doting patriarch of a loving, rambunctious family that includes Erma, his wife of 62 years; six children: Kathy (Stephen) Marian, Debbie (Paul) Spannuth, Larry Simoes, Renee (Ken, deceased) Godsey, Mary Lynn (Chad) Martin, Laura (Jeff) Jaworski; ten grandchildren: Rachel (Sam) Spannuth, Alison (Jason) Fraser, Michael (Adrienne) Spannuth, Geoff (Cate) Marian, Chris Martin, Greg Martin, Sydney Martin, Nick Jaworski, Zach Jaworski, Morgan Godsey; and two great-grandchildren: Abilia Fraser and Elliot Marian (plus one more on the way); Al’s brother Jack (Linda) Simoes and the large, extended New York family; brother-in-law Jim Schulte (LaVern); and Al and Erma’s long-time vacation buddies and brother-at-arms Dick (Marian) Gatto. Al was preceded in death by his father, Julio, mother, Abilia and sister, Mary. Dad, please forgive us all, we could not condense your life, love and gifts into "just two paragraphs," as you requested.  The Visitation will be from 10-11 a.m. Friday, November 9 at Cure' of Ars Catholic Church, 9405 Mission Rd., Leawood, KS with the Funeral Mass to follow at 11 a.m. Entombment will be in the Resurrection Cemetery Mausoleum. In lieu of flowers the family suggest memorial contributions to the Melanoma Research Foundation at www.melanoma.org/

 


Condolences

Kim Brockman Nov 06, 2018

work ,Jefferson City ,Missouri

Renee, My deepest sympathy for you and your family at this most difficult time. Prayers for you and yours.

Caryn Campbell Nov 07, 2018

Friend ,Overland Park ,Kansas

Laura, Jeff, Nick, and Zack—So sorry to hear of your loss. He sounds like a wonderful man and will be dearly missed, for sure. Kevin and I will be keeping you and your family in our prayers.

Audrey Spannuth Morrison Nov 07, 2018

Extended Family ,Euless ,Texas

One of the favorite memories of my life occurred forty years ago. I was driving home on 18th Street Expressway with my toddler nephew, Josh, in the car. My little VW Beetle broke down as we were passing over I-35 in the early stages of rush hour. With no way to call anyone we had to wait and hope a nice, safe Good Samaritan would stop. Many cars went past, but eventually a cool-looking antique convertible (an MG, I think) stopped. The driver, a kind-faced gentleman, asked about the problem and offered to take us to a phone. In the course of our conversation, we discovered that we were nearly related. His name was Al Simoes and his daughter, Debbie, was my brother Paul’s fiancée. The Lord provided a wonderful rescuer that afternoon. And Josh and I got to ride to my parents’ house in a fabulous car! And though we did not see each other very often, Al forever holds a special place in my heart and memories. To Erma, Debbie and the rest of the family, I send my love and hold you all up to God for His great comfort, peace, strength and encouragement for all the days ahead. Love, Audrey

Jeanette Lawrence Nov 08, 2018

Larry S. Friend ,Grandview ,Missouri

My prayers are with you and your family. Love you Lar

Tim and Vickie Townsend Nov 08, 2018

Friends / Neighbors ,Overland Park

Dear Simoes Family, Our sympathy goes out to you for the loss of your beloved Al. We pray for your strength and comfort during this difficult journey. He now rests in peace and will forever hold a special place in your hearts.

Janice Hilyard Nov 18, 2018

friend and former colleague to Kathy ,Wichita ,Kansas

Prayers and sympathy to your extended family and friends. Blessings to you all.

Services

Event:
Visitation
Location:
Cure of Ars Catholic Church
Address:
9405 Mission Road
City:
Leawood
State:
Kansas
Zip Code:
66206
Date:
Nov 09, 2018
Time:
10:00 AM
Google Map:
Click Here to see Location on Map
Event:
Funeral Mass
Location:
Cure of Ars Catholic Church
Address:
9405 Mission Road
City:
Leawood
State:
Kansas
Zip Code:
66206
Date:
Nov 09, 2018
Time:
11:00 AM
Google Map:
Click Here to see Location on Map