Kriston "Kris" Dean Simmons

Kriston “Kris” Dean Simmons, 56, of Urbandale, formerly of Newton died on Tuesday, June 24, 2025, at Iowa Methodist Medical Center in Des Moines.  A celebration of his life will be held at a later date.  Memorials in Kris’ name (checks made to Danielle Simmons) may be left at the Wallace Family Funeral Home and Crematory.

Kris, the son of Vean and Shirley (Clipperton) Simmons, was born on February 7, 1969, in Newton. At the age of seven, his mother married Melvin Walker, who raised Kris as his own.  Kris graduated from Newton High School in 1987.  On September 21, 1990, Kris was united in marriage with Danielle Robinson in Marshalltown. They made their home in Newton where Kris worked for the Maytag Company for many years.  From 2006 until his retirement in 2020, Kris worked as the Facilities Manager for the Newton Community School District at Berg Middle School. During that time, Kris also obtained his business degree from DMACC.  Shortly after retirement, Kris and Danielle moved to Urbandale.

Kris had many interests and talents, including working on old vehicles, working on and riding motorcycles, and building, collecting, and shooting guns at the Izaak Walton League and with a shooting club out of Colfax.  Kris was a good athlete enjoying bowling, golfing, frisbee golf, and playing baseball throughout high school and even into adult leagues.  In his free time, he also enjoyed IRacing and building Legos.  From a young age, Kris has been an avid Tampa Bay Buccaneer’s fan.  Kris was very crafty and handy and always liked to try to build and make things before considering buying it.  His collection of unique shoes matched his fun personality.

Those left to honor Kris’ memory are his wife, Danielle Simmons of Urbandale; daughters, Jessamynn Simmons of Johnston and Alora Simmons (Holister Crouse) of Grimes; his mother, Shirley Walker of Newton; and siblings, Kyle Simmons of Newton and Heather Simmons of West Des Moines.  He was preceded in death by his father, Vean Simmons; step-father, Melvin Walker; sister-in-law, Allison Simmons; and three sisters in infancy.

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