Robert Louis “Bob” Simmons, 61, of Fort Wayne, passed away at 3:09 a.m. on Saturday, August 22, 2026, at Stillwater Hospice in Fort Wayne, Indiana.

Robert was born July 2, 1965, in Fort Wayne, Indiana, a son of the late Floyd Eugene and Yvonne M. (Steichen) Simmons. Growing up in Washington Twp., Whitley County, he attended Washington Center School until the family moved and relocated to Horseheads, New York, in 1978, from Columbia City, Indiana. Robert graduated from Horseheads High School with the class of 1983. He returned to Columbia City, Indiana, shortly after to begin a life well lived.

On September 27, 1994, he married Selena Phillips in Fort Wayne, Indiana. The couple later divorced.

Bob was a Master Carpenter with expert-level leadership and project management skills; an advanced title he held in high regard. Having respect for the industry, his years of hands-on experience would lead him to manage many projects, big or small. Throughout his career, he mentored others and represented a pinnacle of skills for 45+ years. His experience and attention to detail in the trade reflected in his work. His leadership and deep understanding of construction methods came easily; nothing was too complex for Bob.

His most recent projects of magnitude in the past 2 years were leading a team of 15 church members from Abundant Life Tabernacle, Fort Wayne, Indiana, to oversee the rebuilding project of La Iglesia De La Fe Pentecostal Unida, Dominican Republic, from start to finish all in 7 days and the complete build-out project for Cummins Inc. brand new sales and service building now located in New Haven, Indiana.

Bob was a simple man yet impressionable; he loved hard and worked hard, taking nothing for granted. He had a presence that would light up any room no matter where he went; he was the center of attention. He had a contagious personality and brought laughter, joy, and smiles to everyone around him.

His pride and joy were his sons. He loved spending time with them outside of work, and on occasion, if he needed an extra hand on small projects, he would ask them for help. Family was important to Bob; he had a way of letting everyone know what they meant to him. He never hesitated to leave his family or friends without a hug, handshake, or joke for the road. He lived life to the fullest, never expecting anything from anyone other than a simple thanks or a see you later.

Bob was full of wit; he had no problem telling you it was a gift that came naturally at times, with an added side smile and a chuckle too. He leaves many “Bob stories” for his family and friends to share.

Bob was an avid golfer and a member of Cobblestone Golf Course in Kendallville, Indiana, where he played in the Thursday night league with his buddies. Bob also became a fan of the Buffalo Bills while living in New York.

Surviving Bob are his sons, Nicholas Robert Simmons and Travis Eric Reavis; his siblings, Michael (Laura) Simmons of Fort Wayne, Cheryl (Lee) Talasleian of South Whitley, Bruce (Lisa) Simmons of Columbia City, Phillip (Michelle) Simmons of Columbia City, and Neil Simmons of Columbia City; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

He is preceded in death by his sister, Pamela Lamie, brother-in-law LaVerne Lamie, and sister-in-law Constance Simmons.

As per his wishes, there will be a private family visitation, with a Celebration of Life at a later date. Arrangements are in the care of Smith & Sons Funeral Home, Columbia City.