Texas A&M Aggie, DVM Class of 2006

 Director, Texas A&M Institute for Infectious Animal Diseases (IIAD) 

Heather was born on December 16, 1980 in Fort Worth, TX. It is with profound sorrow that we announce the tragic passing of Dr. Heather Simmons, a beloved wife, mother, dedicated veterinarian, and internationally respected leader in zoonotic disease prevention.

Heather was a proud Texas A&M Aggie who earned her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree in 2006. She built a distinguished career that blended veterinary medicine, epidemiology, and public health. Her work took her across the globe as she advanced the prevention and control of zoonotic infectious diseases. She ultimately served as Director of the Texas A&M Institute for Infectious Animal Diseases (IIAD), where she led vital initiatives in animal health, biological threat reduction, and global health security—efforts that strengthened protections for both animals and people in Texas and far beyond.

Heather’s journey with her husband, Kevin Simmons, began at the fire station during her first year of veterinary school. Introduced through a classmate and her husband, The Blakes, Kevin’s fellow firefighter-paramedic. The two shared a four-year courtship before marrying in 2006, the same year Heather earned her DVM. Tyler was born in 2007, and the young family settled into their first home in Bryan, Texas, where they built a life filled with love and adventure. We were blessed to know and share in a relationship with our Lord Jesus Christ, who was our firm foundation through everything.

Heather cherished her family above all else. She is survived by her husband Kevin Simmons; their son Tyler Simmons, a proud Texas A&M student at Mays Business School; her mother Linda Engleking; her brother, David Engleking and sister-in-law, Darlene Engleking, along with those listed, Heather is also survived by several aunts, uncles, cousins, and extended family members. She was preceded in death by her father, Dr. Dave Engleking, a physician of more than 40 years, whom she deeply admired and with whom she shared a close bond.

The Simmons family created countless joyful memories together. They cherished annual Fourth of July gatherings at the Dooley lake house, explored state and national parks across the country—including Yellowstone, Glacier National Park, Garner State Park, Olympic mountains, Blue Ridge Mountains—and traveled to Puerto Rico, Hawaii, the Canadian Rockies and Banff, and on many cross-country road trips. Heather was a passionate world traveler who embraced every opportunity to explore new places and cultures, always returning home with stories that enriched their lives.

Above all, Heather’s heart was wrapped around her son Tyler. She instilled in him a deep love of learning and a strong work ethic, celebrating his high school graduation as one of their proudest family milestones—alongside their wedding day and Tyler’s birth.

In lieu of flowers or food, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to the Simmons Educational Fund to support Tyler’s continued education at Texas A&M University. Donations may be directed online at : https://www.crowdfunder.com/p/in-lieu-of-flowers-supporting-tyler-simmons.

Heather’s warmth, intellect, adventurous spirit, and unwavering commitment to family, education, and service will live on through those she loved and the Aggie spirit she embodied so fully. Gig ’em, Heather. You will be deeply missed.