Walter Simmons

Walter Albert Simmons of Rock Hall, Md. died on Sunday, December 1, 2002 at his residence. He was 85. Born on April 10, 1917 in Philadelphia, Pa. he was the son of the late Walter Philip and Anne Corney Simmons. He graduated from Germantown High School and attended Drexel University where he studied Marine Engineering and the University of Pennsylvania where he studied Naval Architecture. He married Marian Beuerle on August 18, 1941. Mr. Simmons worked with the Brazilian Naval Department from 1940-1941 then as a project engineer with Philadelphia Naval Air Engineering Center 1941-1973. During this time he also operated a Navel Architectural and Aeronautical Engineering practice. From 1973 until 1989 he also worked as a Marine Surveyor. Mr. Simmons was owner and captain of several party fishing boats and designed over 400 fishing boats from 35 to 110 feet. He and his family owned and operated a marina in Wildwood, NJ for 25 years prior to moving to Rock Hall, Md. He was a member of the Rock Hall Lions club, past president, Davis Creek Yacht Club, Rock Hall Yacht Club, Old Salts Society, where he was an honorary Admiral, Chester River Yacht and County Club, St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, where he served as past Jr. Warden and on the Vestry, Board of Directors of Hospice. He received many awards and outstanding achievements including. Special projects that Walter worked on as a civilian employed by the Philadelphia Naval Air Engineering Center these were: Surface Effect Air Boats, Floating City for Hawaii, Advanced concepts for ships, Paddle Wheel boat for Thailand, Aircraft carrier catapults and arresting gear. He was also a private airplane pilot. He was awarded a U.S. Cost Guard License to operate vessels up to 100 tons at age 16. He loved sailing and all marine vessels. He is survived by his wife of 61 years Marian E. Simmons, son: Walter J. Simmons and his wife Arlene of Martinsburg, WV, and two grandchildren: Dawn Lynch and her husband J.P. Lynch of Martinsburg, WV., and W. Neal Simmons and his wife Becky Simmons of Durham, NC., and a great grand daughter Anna Lynch. Funeral Services will be held on Thursday, December 5, 2002 at 11:00 AM at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, Chestertown, Md. Interment will be in St. Paul’s Episcopal Church Cemetery, Chestertown, Md. In Lieu of flowers contributions may be made to St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 905 Gateway Drive, Chestertown, Md. 21620 or the Kent Hospice Foundation, 103 Dixon Drive, Chestertown, Md. 21620. Arrangements by Fellows, Helfenbein & Newnam Funeral Home, Chestertown, Md. www.fhnfuneralhome.com.