Leo William Simeroth

‘God saw that he was getting tired and a cure was not to be, so He put His arms around him and whispered “Come with me.” ‘- Unknown Leo Simeroth joined his late wife, Irene Simeroth, in heaven, on the Lord’s Day, Sunday, June 9, 2013. He was born in Lexington, Oklahoma in 1917 and grew up on his family’s farm in Purcell along with four brothers and three sisters. He always said it was the best way to grow up. Leo called himself a “runt”; however, at 6’1” with a build like a runner most of us would disagree unless you knew that all his brothers ranged in height from 6’3” to 6’5”and were built like linebackers. He was a sickly child, so he made it his mission to attain maximum health through diet, exercise, and the use of nutritional supplements. In his day, he was considered a “health nut.” Despite his poor beginning, he experienced relatively robust health throughout most his life due in large part to his healthy lifestyle. Playing all kinds of sports, Leo was able to earn his high school Letter. He also Boxed competitively while in the Army. Leo enjoyed watching sports and not just his favorite professional teams, the Lakers and Angels, but also his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchild as they played various sports. As an Angel fan, Leo attended games with his family when he had the opportunity, including taking his son to his very first Angel game. Leo served as an Army Military Policeman during WWII. He began writing to Irene and they became “Pen Pals.” They met when he returned in 1946 and were married a short time later. They moved to California, a long time-dream of Irene’s. Leo became a proud member of the Ornamental Iron Workers Union in 1952. He worked for Soule Steel Company for nearly thirty years, until his retirement. Leo and Irene raised their three children in the Whittier home they bought in 1956. Leo has been a resident of Whittier for 57 years. Since joining the Church of Christ in 1959, Leo had been devoted to studying and sharing the Lord’s Word. He faithfully attended church services three times a week at the Brea Church of Christ for as long as he was able. “You can take the boy outta’ the farm, but you can’t take the farm outta’ the boy.” This adage held true for Leo. After purchasing his home, he planted his garden and fruit trees. Upon retirement his garden tripled in size. Many neighbors, friends, family members, and acquaintances have tasted the fruits of his labors. It was a labor of love. He continued to tend his garden and fruit trees until he was no longer able in 2011. Leo is survived by his daughter, Sandra Paris; her children, Scott Paris and Stephanie Paris; her grandchild, Noah Paris of Whittier; daughter, Gail Holmes, her husband, Larry; their child, Lauren Holmes of Laguna Hills; son, Craig Simeroth, his wife, Debbie; children, Donald Vanderlip, Katelynn Vanderlip, Sean Vanderlip, his wife Charlotte; and their child, Jasmine Vanderlip of Lancaster. He is also survived by his brother, Harold Simeroth of Corona; his sister, Rosalie Cecchini of Stockton, all of California; and many nieces and nephews.

Tributes

Leo William Simeroth

May 7, 1917 - June 9, 2013