Calvin "Buddy" Franklin Simonton

Mr. Calvin Franklin “Buddy” Simonton, 77, of Rockdale, passed away Wednesday, May 18, 2022, at his residence. A memorial service for Mr. Simonton will be held at a later date. Cremation will be followed by a burial in Alice, TX, next to his son, Larry Wayne Simonton.

Mr. Simonton was born December 31, 1944, in Taylor, to L. B. and Herminia (Hodon) Simonton. He was a 1963 graduate of Taylor High School. Buddy spent much of his career in Alice with Dresser-Atlas (9 yrs), and Welltech (3 yrs) before becoming a manger with Green’s Pressure Testing. He was a truck driver for 28 years. Besides his family, truck driving was his life. He drove to every state in this country and he was a member of the Million Mile Club. Boy, did he have some stories to tell about his trucking experiences! Buddy never met a stranger. He was an animal lover and loved to hunt. He was a member of the Brethren Church.

Buddy was a beloved husband and father to his wife, Judy Simonton, of Rockdale; and his son and daughters, James Michael (Amy) Simonton of Rockdale, Leslie (Albert) Perez and Lynn (Eddie) Pawlik of Alice, and Tammy (Dan) Hauser of Leander. Also surviving is one sister, Loretta O'Berry of Victoria. He was a loving grandfather to his grandchildren: Mark Pawlik, Michelle Ender, Colton and Dancey Lopez, Dustin and Dakota Preece, Misty and Windy Hauser, Taylor, Ty, and Hally Simonton and Dustin Powell.  He is also survived by 19 great-grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials to the American Cancer Society.