Reuben Leon and Fairess (Clark) Simmons
Historical marker location:Reuben Leon Simmons and his wife Fairess (Clark) served as educators in public schools for a combined 83 years. Reuben Leon Simmons was born in 1894 in the Forest Home community (Wood Co). After the death of his father, Simmons and his family moved to Pleasant Grove, where he left school after the third grade to work on a farm. Determined to finish school and become a teacher, Simmons entered the Quitman School District in 1914, later securing a teaching certification. He first taught at Wayside before returning to Forest Home. In 1926, he married Fairess Clark of the Bellefonte community; they would have three sons. Fairess was born in 1903 in Wood County. She attended East Texas State Teachers College in Commerce (Hunt Co.), receiving teaching certification. In 1930, Reuben was selected to become superintendent of schools in Golden. He served in this capacity until 1947, overseeing changes including major renovation to Golden High School. In 1938, he received an M.B.A. degree from the University of Texas at Austin. Fairess taught English in Golden High School. While here, the couple was highly involved in civic and church affairs; Fairess served as pianist at Golden Baptist Church. in 1947, the couple moved to Travis County, where Reuben Leon became superintendent for the Manor School District. He served in this position until his death in 1954. Fairess continued to teach in Manor and later at Del Valle High School; she also received a master's degree from the University of Texas at Austin. She retired in 1973 and died in 1990. Today, Reuben Leon and Fairess Simmons are remembered as educators, parents, and church and community leaders who influenced generations of residents and students in Wood County and throughout Texas. (2008) Marker is property of the state of Texas.