Truman Simons

Truman Lee Simons, of Waco, Texas, passed from this life to his eternal life, the night of October 30th, 2021.

Truman was born May 16th, 1943, in Rosenthal, Texas, to Lonzo Luther Simons and Maud Hickox Simons. He was the second oldest of four children, and was preceded in death by his parents, his older sister Jenny Joyce May and “little sister”, Linda Wacill Simons. He was raised in the community of Rosenthal, and attended Lorena Schools. He also served his country in the Air Force from June 1960 and was honorably discharged in June 1964.

Truman was known to many for his time as a law enforcement agent, both with the Waco PD and the McLennan County Sheriff's department. Truman had risen to the rank of Captain at the Sheriff's department prior to leaving in 2001. He won many awards as a peace officer and was most notably featured in the book Careless Whispers for helping solve the Lake Waco Murders. For many years he would receive thoughtful letters from strangers around the world, who appreciated his tenacity, grit and ability to work the hard cases. Even though he never sought fame or compensation for that case, it made him into a well-known public figure.

After leaving law enforcement, Truman started his own business as a private investigator and continued to work many cases across the state up until his death. He truly cared about all of his clients and made sure they got a fair trial. For any of his open cases today, please know that even as he became sick, he had told his loved ones that he wanted to live long enough to help close his cases and help each of you get the best judgement or set free. We know it broke his heart that he was unable to finish his work.

Truman was also a mechanic in his spare time that liked to rebuild cars and work on small engines. He always had two or three horses on his ranch that he loved. He enjoyed shooting his guns and even built a black-powder rifle when he was younger. He loved and lived by the old cowboy spirit and was very proud to trace his family roots back to Wild Bill Hickcok. He was always a family man that mostly kept to himself and enjoyed his privacy. If Truman called you his friend, then you knew you earned it.

He leaves behind his best friend, Sherre Whitney, his daughter Kelly Simons, her boyfriend Mark Walter, his son Jason Simons, his daughter-in-law Natalie Johnson, his brother Randy Simons and sister-in-law Patricia Simons, nieces, Rebecca Simons and Adrianna Simons Suarte, as well many extended family members, cousins, and cherished friends. He was also lovingly known as Paw Paw to his granddaughter Kellsy Macdonald, grandson Kris Macdonald, grandson Nicholas (Niko) Simons, Paige Whitney Johnston, and Ben David Johnston.

Truman requested a small graveside funeral with only his family in attendance. We honored his wishes on Friday November 5th. Bishop Willie E. Tompkins officiated.