John Wesley Simonek

John Wesley Simonek, 78, died peacefully in his home, surrounded by family, on May 19, 2022. He was born on June 3rd, 1943, in Mineola, Texas, the son of John and Gladys Simonek. He grew up in a big family of five brothers and sisters, including a twin brother.

Wesley graduated from Mineola High School in the summer of 1961 and following commencement served as a paratrooper in the 181st Airborne Division of the United States Army. He served his country courageously from 1961 to 1963.

After his service he married and settled down in his hometown of Mineola, where he built a family with this then wife Anonthia Trilla Simonek. Post military Wesley became a millwright and later opened his own company named JWS Millwright Contractors. He was considerably successful in his work ethic and was able to retire at the age of 67 years old. Wesley, a humble man by nature, was also a truly thoughtful and generous person. Dedicated to his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren, he spent a substantial portion of his time committed to the success of the family tree. He regularly stayed in touch with all his surviving brothers and sisters and prioritized his connection to loved ones above all. He never forgot a birthday nor disregarded anyone from his generosity. He turned out to be a deeply thoughtful and understanding father with a profound sense of gratitude for the little things in life. He was also particularly funny, with a wildly understated brand of wit and irony about him that everyone appreciated. He had a benevolent heart and could not stand the idea of anyone feeling slighted in any fashion. He made sure that his treasured family members knew that he appreciated them all equally and wholly. These are just a handful of the numerous unique attributes of the great man that he was. He was a faithful Dallas Cowboys Fan, cherished the outdoors, enjoyed hunting with this family, he loved bird watching, he relished in exercise, and he was an enthusiast of old western movies. Also, he never allowed a family member to leave his home without following them to the car for one final pep talk and chat about safe driving. His truest joy was the assured happiness of his children and their children alike. Wesley Simonek was a serene, hilarious, diligent, often shy, but forever caring old-soul, and it is plain to say that they do not make many men like him anymore. He was special. He treasured his family with very fiber of his being and loved the good lord above until his final breath. He will be extraordinarily missed by all who knew him.

In addition to his parents, Wesley was preceded in death by his two brothers Robert Simonek and James Simonek and by his youngest son, Jason Clay Simonek. They are at last together again. In addition to his longstanding best friend Barbara Carrington, Wesley is survived by his children John Simonek and wife Jill, Sharon Varner, and Karen Rowland. Wesley had seven grandchildren and 6 great grandchildren. He is also survived by his siblings, twin brother Les Simonek and sisters, Lou Satterwhite and Edna Stovall and husband Charlie.

Wesley requested that there not be a formal funeral service. He will be laid to rest in private by his immediate family at Roselawn Memorial Gardens in Mineola, TX. Those who wish to remember Wesley in a special way, please make gifts to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in his honor. He cared very much about people, and this will be the best way to pay tribute to who he was during his days on this earth. Thank You. (https://www.stjude.org/)