Edward “Ed” Rhea Simon, 77, of Wimberley, passed away Monday, April 22, 2013, at St. David’s South Austin Medical Center.
Ed was born at home in Kyle on May 13, 1935, the first child of Martin H. Simon Sr. and Naomi L. Simon. He was born on his grandfather’s birthday and was the first grandchild; he had three sisters and two brothers.
He was preceded in death by his parents, brother Robert L. Simon (Wilma) and sister Patsy M. Buckmaster (Don).
He is survived by his wife Sonja, daughter Piper Barrett (John Earl), son Channing Simon and two loving granddaughters, Bailey and Brooke Barrett. He is also survived by his brother Martin H. Simon Jr. (Alice) and two sisters, Evelyn Ruth Simon and June Gayle Simon.
Ed grew up in Kyle and graduated from Kyle High School in 1953, where he was voted class favorite his senior year. He enjoyed athletics and was a starter on Kyle’s six-man football team. He also played basketball and fast-pitch softball.
After high school, Ed enlisted in the U. S. Navy and served four years active duty, receiving a medal for good conduct. The oldest of six kids, he embraced the role of father figure and family provider when their father died at an early age in 1955. Ed later worked for Hageman Battery and Electric in San Marcos, and served in the Naval Reserves where he retired after 26 years.
A country boy at heart, beans, angel biscuits and sweet tea ranked as one of his favorite meals. He was an avid sports fan and a strong Texas Longhorn supporter.
Ed was a kind and generous family man with a passionate love for animals and people alike. In his later years, he especially enjoyed spending time with his granddaughters, helping them with spelling words and reading when they were in their early years, as well as helping care for their pigs, goats and chickens.
Should friends desire, memorial contributions may be sent to the PKD Foundation (www.pkdcure.org).
