Orville Edward Simons

Orville Edward Simons, 91, passed away June 26, 2026, at Park Manor Rehabilitation Center in Walla Walla. Born on October 31, 1934, in Walla Walla to Melvin and Nellie (Miller) Simons, Orville lived on Blue Creek until the age of 3, when his parents moved their growing family to the Miller family farm on Mill Creek. Growing up there, he learned to raise wheat and cattle. He eventually took over management of the farm and kept the crops and livestock growing until his retirement in 2011.

Orville attended Walla Walla High School and was active in the Future Farmers of America, participating in livestock shows and judging. He graduated in 1952, then enlisted in the Army National Guard in March of 1953, where he served, as he liked to note, for 9 years, 7 months, and 13 days.

Orville also enjoyed the regional rodeo life, where his specialty was wild cow milking.

In June of 1974, he married Nola Allen (now Hays). Together, they raised three children together until their divorce after nine years, after which Orville was ever-present in his children’s lives and found joy in spending time with them.

Orville loved drives in the mountains and hunting. He was a hunting guide and used his horse and mules as a packer for many trips over the years. Some hunters he guided became more like family than friends. He always said, “A person who has a good horse will never need counseling.”

When he became a grandfather, he was dubbed “Papa,” and that turned out to be how he was known from then on.

He always had a great sense of humor. That was obvious if you saw his walker -- a bicycle horn on one side and a cap gun in its holster on the other.

Preceded in death by his parents and sister, Norma Zier. He is survived by his sister, Elaine (Joy) Simons (her partner, Jimmy Davidson); his children: Gary Simons, Eddie Simons (his spouse, Kirstin), and Pam Vaughan (her spouse, Heath); four grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

A graveside service will be held on Friday, July 10, 2026, at 10:00 AM at Mountain View Cemetery. A reception will follow at the Blue Mountain Community Church, 928 Sturm Ave, Walla Walla, WA.

Memorial contributions may be made to a charity of choice through the Herring Groseclose Funeral Home, 315 W Alder St, Walla Walla, WA 99362. Friends and family are invited to sign the online guestbook at www.herringgroseclose.com.