Texas Officer Succumbs to 2005 Crash Injuries

The Officer Down Memorial Page has reported the death of Amarillo, Texas Officer Mark Simmons.

Simmons died on Wednesday, Dec. 17 from injuries sustained three years ago when his cruiser was struck by a vehicle being pursued by other officers. He and his partner were attempting to locate the vehicle when it slammed into them.

He was in the passenger seat and suffered severe brain injuries and remained in the hospital for several months before receiving home treatment. His partner and the driver of the vehicle that hit him suffered minor injuries.

Simmons had served with the Amarillo Police Department for five years at the time of the accident and had previously served with the Randall County Sheriff's Department for one year. He is survived by his two children and parents.

Survivors include daughters, Ashlyn and Makayia; parents, Mark S. and Caroline Simmons; sister, Jennifer Hamby; and brother, John, all of Quanah; and grandfather, Robert Simmons of Bellville, Kan.

Funeral Arrangements

Visitation for Officer Simmons will be held Friday, Dec. 19 from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Smith Funeral Home in Quanah, Texas.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, Dec. 20 at 10 a.m. in the Quanah First Methodist Church in Quanah, Texas.

Burial will follow in Quanah Memorial Park in Quanah, Texas.

Memorials may be made to the 100 Club of Amarillo, P.O. Box 589, Amarillo, Texas, 79101.