Connor Matthew Simmons, 18, of Lafayette, passed away on Sunday, October 27, 2024. He was born on January 10, 2006, in Bloomington, IN, to Matthew and Angela (Southard) Simmons of Lafayette.
Connor graduated from Central Catholic (CC) High School in 2024. He began his CC football career as a waterboy at 7 years of age; he was blessed to support the team as they became state champions in 2015 and 2019. Connor was the center on the varsity football team. He was involved in varsity track and field, Knights of the Holy Temple, SEARCH, Interact, World Language Club, Bring Change to Mind (treasurer), Prom Committee, Sports Leadership Group, Band, and was a retreat leader.
Connor was a freshman attending Purdue University seeking a degree in Selling and Sales Management. He received countless awards and honors during his time at CC, most notably, The Paul J. LaRocca Award, The Bishop Bennett Award, All Hoosier Conference for Football and Track, MVP Track and Field, and Outstanding Band Student; he was selected to represent Youth Voices in the 2024 Tippecanoe County Youth Summit as well as represent CC on the Hoosier Conference poster.
He was a member of St. Mary’s Cathedral Parish; most recently, he was attending St. Thomas Aquinas at Purdue University and was becoming involved with Boiler Catholics. He participated in intramural soccer and his team was runner-up in the campus tournament. He was preparing to participate in intramural cornhole and euchre. He had rushed cooperative housing of Circle Pines and received a bid; he was to be a Legacy Member of the 2024-2025 pledge class. He was employed by Crew Carwash and had completed an internship at SDI Innovations. He also worked at Mecko’s Heating and Cooling.
Connor enjoyed spending time in nature, fishing, golf, playing poker, spending time with friends and family, listening to multiple genres of music and playing guitar with his friends. He had a passion for watching high school sports and was deemed the “Superfan” for everything Central Catholic. He was always the life of the party and made sure that everyone was having the time of their life. Connor was known for making people feel seen and heard and letting everyone be their authentic self. He loved attending Purdue football and basketball games. Connor had an affinity for shoes and all things navy blue and “bougie”.
Surviving are his parents Angela L. and Matthew R. Simmons of Lafayette, grandparents Ray and Alice Simmons of Plainville, IN, David and Kristine Southard of Terre Haute, IN, Phillip Southard-Woodridge, NJ, Erik Southard-West Terre Haute, IN-wife Rebekah, children-Breanna, Liam, Andrew Southard-Terre Haute-wife Jodi, children-Keira, Brynlee, Camden, Malissa Muyumba (Southard)-Terre Haute-husband Diyo, children-Tynan, Kyrin, Terri Pickett-Plainville-husband Bob, children-Ashley, Brittany, Brian, Brian Simmons-Sandborn, children-Kylar, Keeton, Kane; as well as countless members of the CC and Purdue University Communities. Connor was preceded in death by Ed and Yvonne Moore, Carrol Dean Southard, Viola McClannahan-Southard, Bernard and Eldeana Simmons, and Donald and Gertrude Kemp.
Connor was a devout Catholic whose faith was the cornerstone of his life, living as the hands and feet of his Lord and Savior. At the age of two, Connor memorized and often recited the Prayer of St Michael the Archangel, and this was his gateway prayer to learning countless Catholic prayers that enriched his prayer life. He was an extraordinary athlete-well known as Simbo-he was a loving son, friend, grandson, nephew and cousin. Connor had the heart of a lion, always smiling and offering care to everyone he encountered, no matter their status or circumstances. His love was shown not only in words but in action, as he treated all with kindness and compassion. A brilliant young man with a radiant smile that would light any room, Connor was prayerful and devoted to his church, his light shone brightly in this world, and while his departure feels far too soon, we take solace in knowing that he has been called to higher service; his memory will remain in the hearts of all us who were blessed to know him.
Visitation will be from 3:00 pm to 7:00 pm on Sunday, November 3, 2024, at Soller-Baker Lafayette Chapel, 400 Twyckenham Blvd.
Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11:00 am on Monday, November 4, 2024, with a Rosary preceding at 10:30 at St. Mary Cathedral, 1207 Columbia Street, Lafayette. Father Ted Dudzinski and Father William Summerlin officiating. Interment will be at St. Mary Cemetery in Lafayette, IN.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Connor Simmons’ Memorial Scholarship Fund at Purdue Federal Credit Union, with checks made out to Connor Simmons’ Memorial Scholarship Fund, these funds will be allocated to support student scholarships to Central Catholic High School in Connor’s memory.