Alvin Ralph Simmonds, age 90, of Springfield, Missouri, passed away on Friday, October 22, 2010, in St. John's Hospital. He was born on July 6, 1920, in Limon, Colorado, and had lived in Springfield for the past 60 years. Al grew up in Baxter Springs, Kan., and graduated from John Brown University in Siloam Springs, Ark., in 1940. He was married to Juanita Hilterbrand on Christmas Day, 1941, and served in the U.S. Air force from 1942-1946. Al was best known as a Springfield letter carrier from 1960 until his retirement in 1983. He was an avid reader, a follower of politics, loved his dogs and cats, and cheered for the Lady Bears. He was preceded in death by his wife; his parents; two sisters; and one brother. He is survived by a brother, Martin, of Torrance, Calif.; a daughter, Rita Tutschulte, of Eudora, Kan.; a son, Roger, and his life partner Ruth, of Kansas City; eight grandchildren, Ben and Christie Tutschulte, Robert Simmonds, Amy Tutschulte, Crystal and Jason Larsen, and Lucas Tutschulte; as well as four great-grandaughters, Ava, Emily, Ella, and Anna. Al was respected and admired by those that knew him and will be sorely missed. Graveside services will be held at 1 p.m., on Tuesday October 26th, in the Missouri Veterans Cemetery, 5201 S. Southwood Rd., Springfield, Mo., under the care of Gorman-Scharpf Brentwood Chapel. In lieu of flowers and to honor Al's devotion to animals the family suggests contributions to the Missouri Humane Society.