Ancel E. "Slim" Simmons passed away on Monday, September 19, 2005 following a short illness. A memorial service is planned for Thursday, September 22, 2005 at 10:30 am at the Nalley-Pickle & Welch Chapel, 3800 N. Big Spring St. in Midland. The family will have a visitation following the service at the funeral home.He was born on March 20, 1925 in Ft. Worth, Texas and married Frankie Williams on May 3, 1958 in White Deer, Texas. Slim joined the US Army Air Corps in 1942 at the age of 17. During World War II as a gunner flying B17's. He was stationed in Italy and Africa. He survived many wounds and was able to escape capture from the Germans. Slim was awarded a Bronze Star by the US Navy and a Purple Heart. Following the war, he attended the University of Texas in Austin, earning a degree in petroleum geology and was later employed by Republic Natural, Mobil and Union of Texas. Following Slim's career in the oil industry, he and Frankie lived in Midland, Denver and Houston. Slim was a skilled woodworker and an expert marksman. He enjoyed people and belonged to the West Texas Geological Society, SIPES, Wood Carver's Club and Midland Shooter Association. He and his wife were also volunteers at the Midland Children's Rehabilitation Center.Survivors include; his wife Frankie; his son Harold E. Simmons and his wife Mia of Carrollton; one grandson, Barrett Simmons of Carrollton; three nieces, Lisa Moseley of Bartonville, Darla Cox of Highland village, Sharla Bevers of Lubbock; a brother Arvil G. Simmons and his wife Mary of Crowley; a brother-in-law Harold D. Williams of Ft. Lauderdale, FL; one niece and two nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and one brother, Raymond.The family would like to express their gratitude to Dr. Robert Vogel and his staff. Memorials may be directed to Midland Children's Rehab Center, 802 Ventura, Midland, TX 79705. Arrangements under the direction of Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home & Crematory of Midland. Online condolences can be made at: www.npwelch.com,
