Rev. Richard E. Simonson October 9, 2011 Beloved husband of Florence Simonson (nee Hoechstenbach) Loving father of Rachel (Mark) Tobin, Andrew (Julie) Simonson and Timothy Simonson; Devoted grandfather of Caroline Tobin, Hannah and Ryan Simonson and Tim Simonson; Our dear brother, brother-in-law, uncle and cousin; Born in Chicago in 1931 (life long Cubs fan). Attended Elmhurst College and Eden Theological Seminary. He was married 57 years to his beloved wife Florence; they worked faithfully as a team throughout his ministry. His United Church of Christ ministry began by starting two new churches. One in Louisville, KY (1957-1962) and the other in Chicago, IL (1962-1968). He then served the Massachusetts Conference raising millions of dollars for missions (1968-1969). From 1969-72 he was on staff at Bethleham Church in Ann Arbor, MI. He then served Christ Church UCC in Maplewood, MO from 1972-93, and was made Pastor Emeritus. He served as interim pastor at Bethany Peace UCC for 1 year. After retiring, he joined Parkway UCC where he was an active member for 16 years. He volunteered every week at a food pantry and at Forest Park Forever. For a time he did grief counseling at Deaconess Hospital. He was an active member of Overeaters Anonymous. During his time in retirement, he carried on his ministry in many unspoken ways. He took enormous pleasure in spending time with his wife, children and grandchildren. He was a friend and faithful pastor to many and his caring ways will never be forgotten. Memorials preferred to Christ Church UCC, Parkway UCC, Eden Seminary and Joint Neighborhood (Food Pantry) Ministries; Visitation Fri. Oct. 14, 3 to 8pm at the JAY B. SMITH MAPLEWOOD CHAPEL 7456 Manchester; Memorial Visitation Sat. Oct. 15, 10:30am to11:30am at Parkway UCC, 2840 N. Ballas Rd. 63131, with a Funeral Service at 11:30pm; Private interment at St. Paul Churchyard Tributes at jaybsmith.com