Marcus Dean Simmers

Marcus Dean Simmers, 72, of Austin, Texas passed on March 31, 2026. Born in Amarillo, Texas, Marcus lived a full and vibrant life defined by many friendships, a love of adventure and a warmth that drew people to him wherever he went.

Marcus was an accomplished athlete in his youth. His love of football began when he played with Little League in Amarillo and continued to play throughout his school days and into college. He was a strong leader (once honored as captain of his football team at Tascosa High School). He made lifelong friendships with his fellow teammates and classmates. Though his life evolved to include many different places and people, his love of sports never faded. Whether he was watching a game, cheering on his beloved Texas Longhorns, or talking strategy with friends, sports remained a constant source of enjoyment throughout his life. He was an avid biker and a devoted reader, always eager to explore something new on the page or on the trail.

If there was one thing that set Marcus’s soul on fire, it was music. He loved live music and the energy of a concert crowd for the way a good song could change the mood of an entire room. He liked to dance, but the thing he loved the most was singing in the car. Road trips with Marcus were filled with great songs, oldies and new ones alike. Lyrics were easy for him to remember and he had many favorite songs and musicians, including Patty Griffin and Ken Mo’. Anyone who spent time with him knew that Marcus was never far from a good rhythm or a good time.

He was a natural born traveler with a curiosity that took him on trips through Europe (with an appetite that made Italy a favorite!) and the U.S. The mountains of the northwest were a favorite, especially the Tetons. Marcus had a love of nature and a genuine fondness for animals, especially dogs. He had a quiet gift for connecting with his four-legged friends.

Marcus had a real talent when it came to humor. He loved sharing a good joke or meme through text with friends and family. And it wasn’t unusual to find notes of encouragement in a text from him. He gave the strongest, best hugs of anyone a person might ever meet. They came easy and sincerely from him. Marcus was the kind of friend people held onto for a lifetime, maintaining strong bonds from his youth until his final days. He loved his family without condition and stayed close to them all.

Marcus is survived by his partner and longtime love, Caroline Ware, and her family, his daughter Karissa Dyer, her husband, Aaron and grandchildren Emma Claire and Emerson. He is also survived by his son, Kolin Simmers, Kolin’s wife Jessica, and his grandson, Tucker. Being the third born of four children, he leaves behind a brother, David Simmers and wife, Mary, sister Leesa Reece, and sister Andrea Murray and husband, Kelly. He will also be missed by nieces, nephews, great-nieces and nephews, a great aunt, and many cousins.

May Marcus find peace in the presence of the God he carried quietly in his heart.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Grace and Peace Austin Church in the gym at 6301 Woodrow Ave., Austin, Texas on Saturday, July 11, from 2 to 4 pm. The family invites you to share a memory, play a favorite song, or give a dog a good scratch behind the ears. In lieu of flowers, donations to American Diabetes Association and to your local PBS station would be appreciated.