Howard Simonson

Howard E. Simonson ("Si"), 94, of Alterra Sterling House North in Bartlesville, passed away April 19 at Silver Lake Care Center. Mr. Simonson was born to Andrew and Bettie Simonson February 27, 1912, in West Point, Nebraska. He graduated from the University of Nebraska in 1935 and moved to Bartlesville in February 1936 to work for Phillips Petroleum Company as a professional engineer. While employed by Phillips, he also worked in Detroit, Michigan, from 1940 to 1941, and in Greenville, South Carolina, from 1966 to 1976. He retired in 1977. He was a life member of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers, the National Society of Professional Engineers, and the Oklahoma Society of Professional Engineers. He was a former president of the Engineers Club of Bartlesville and was a charter member of the Bartlesville Chapter of the United Ostomy Association, serving as treasurer for several years. He was a dedicated member of First Christian Church, serving as elder, deacon, choir member, and board chairman over the years. He was a lifelong loyal supporter of the Nebraska Cornhuskers football team and the University of Nebraska Foundation. Si's attention to detail was a trait much admired by his colleagues, friends, and family. He had a delightful sense of humor and a curious mind for many subjects, particularly those of scientific, spiritual, and political natures. He was a generous and thoughtful gentleman, always exhibiting great kindness and consideration for others. His family and friends have always cherished his gentle nature and he will be dearly missed. He married Elizabeth (Betty) Duke of Meeker, Oklahoma, on June 10, 1939, and she survives him. He is also survived by his sister, Marian Means, of Scribner, Nebraska, his sister-in law, Margaret McCullough of Bartlesville, and four children: Arthur and wife Elaine Simonson of Texarkana, Texas; Susan and husband Bill Clem of Roswell, New Mexico; Janice and husband Russell Martenson of Bethesda, Maryland; Joyce and husband Steve Foster of Troy, South Carolina. He is also survived by four grandchildren: Eric Simonson of Dallas, Texas; Alison C. Bolin of Euless, Texas; Amy S. York of Bedford, Texas; and Leslie C. Horne of Frisco, Texas; two great grandchildren, Meleah and Caden York; and five nephews and two nieces. His brother, Warren Simonson, and a nephew, Richard Simonson, preceded him in death. A memorial service will be held at the First Christian Church on Sunday July 9, 2006 at 3:30 p.m. Memorials in his honor may be made to the First Christian Church Abiding Memorial Fund, the Phillips Theological Seminary, or Concern Center of Bartlesville. Arrangements are under the direction of Neekamp - Luginbuel Funeral Home.