COLUMBUS
Conrad Joseph “C.J.” Simon III, 47, of Columbus, passed from this life at 11 p.m. Saturday, November 11, 2017 at the Columbus Regional Hospital Emergency Department.
C.J. was born September 18, 1970, in San Diego, California, the son of Conrad Joseph Simon Jr. and Marilyn Dale Morris Simon.
C.J. graduated high school in Germantown, Tennessee, and received a Bachelor’s Degree in Material Science from the University of Tennessee. He later earned a Master’s Degree in Metallurgy from the University of Tennessee Space Institute.
C.J. had a career with Cummins Engine Co., and currently worked in their Corporate Research & Technology Organization as an Additive Manufacturing Materials Scientist. His colleagues in the professional world thought of him as a person with a wealth of technical knowledge, and a keen mind for scientific innovation.
C.J. received the Julius Perr Innovation Award in 2015 for developing a novel inlet surface coating on engine aftertreatment devices. This technology is currently used in Cummins engines in North America and Europe and will be used more broadly in coming years. CJ had six granted US patents.
Family was everything to C.J. He was very proud of the achievements of his children, whether big or small, and encouraged them to excel in their activities. He loved sharing his interests with them, and teaching them about science and nature. C.J. could often be found with various technical parts and pieces and an idea, sharing the scientific thinking process with his kids, sometimes to their annoyance.
C.J. loved the outdoors, and enjoyed hiking, camping, fly fishing, and hunting.
C.J. is survived by his wife of 17 years, Mary Siemsen Simon, whom he married June 17, 2000; his children, Benjamin, Daniel, and Rebecca Simon all at home; his parents, Conrad and Marilyn Simon Jr. of Waynesboro, Virginia; brothers, Jeff Simon of Lakemoor, Illinois and Christopher Simon of Waynesboro, Virginia; several aunts, uncles, and cousins; his father and mother-in-law, Dennis and Ann Siemsen of Oak Ridge, Tennessee; and his sister-in-law and brother-in-law and their families who loved him very much.
The funeral service will be held at 2 p.m. Thursday at First Christian Church, 531 5th Street, Columbus, with Steve Yeaton officiating.
Family and friends may gather for visitation from 4 to 8 p.m. Wednesday at Barkes, Weaver & Glick Funeral Home on Washington Street and from 1 p.m. until service time Thursday at the church.
The family asks that memorial contributions be made Habitat for Humanity. Cards are available at the funeral home or donate online at habitatindiana.org.
Online condolences and special memories may be shared with the Simon family and a video tribute may be viewed at barkesweaverglick.com.
