Daniel “Axel” Simmons, who felt he was “living his best life”, departed this world Thursday, August 25, 2022 at the age of 67 after suffering a massive heart attack in his home. He leaves behind his lifelong, high school sweetheart, his wife, Gail Land Simmons and their cherished golden retriever, Dock. Dan loved his beautiful canal front home in Port Charlotte, FL where he and Gail entertained many friends and family, often delighting them with rides on their tritoon boat. Dan was born March 5, 1955 in Cedarville, Michigan (Upper Peninsula, “Yooper”) to parents Marlene J. Shoberg and Gale F. Simmons. He is survived by his children Kelsey (Max) Frause, Seattle, WA and Anders Axel (Alison) Simmons, Seattle, WA, Landon (Maria) Manko, Pittsburgh, PA, Logan (Lindsey) Manko, Carlsbad, CA, and Tyler (Danielle) Manko, Austin, TX, 8 grandchildren, and siblings Gayla (Joe deceased) Brief, Traverse City, MI, David (Karrie) Simmons, Presque Isle, MI, and Paul (Dena) Bour, South Park, PA. And his lifelong, childhood friend, Bobbie Causley, Hessel, MI. Dan attended Les Cheneaux, MI and Bethel Park, PA High Schools and then joined the United States Air Force, 1973-1976 and was assigned to the 1st Mobile Combat Communications Group and stationed at Clark AFB, Philippines. After which he attended and graduated from De Anza College, CA. He began his engineering career at the Boeing Company as an Instrumentation Engineer in Structural Test and Development Test Labs in Seattle, WA. There he received numerous awards during his 35 year tenure with Boeing. During his retirement of 6 years he enjoyed tinkering in the garage, traveling in the RV, having morning coffee on the dock, daily swims, grilling, boating, and evenings listening to his favorite music. He also made time to be an administrator for several Facebook groups. In lieu of flowers, please send memorial donations to the Wounded Warrior Project or your local golden retriever rescue.