Owen David Simmerer was born in Seattle on November 1, 1948, to Fred and Phyllis Simmerer. He was raised in Renton as the third of nine children. Education was important to Owen, who received his AA from Peninsula College in 1988 and his Bachelors in Elementary Education from Western Washington University in 1992. In 2005 he received his Masters in Education from Central Washington University; he graduated with a 4.0 GPA.

Owen was a dynamic and interesting man with an incredible sense of humor. He taught in the Highline Public School District from 1992 until his death on December 6, 2007, when he passed away in his sleep. He was currently a Behavioral Disorder Specialist with Evergreen High School.

Owen's deepest passion was working with children. His students were what kept him going, both in the classroom and in the gym, where he taught boxing and karate. He was a certified coach with the USA Amateur Boxing Federation who worked with a boxing club sponsored by the King County Sheriff's Department in White Center.

Owen is preceded in death by his parents, his older brother Bruce, and his beloved dogs Lassie and Tasha, as well as his cats Bob and AJ. He is survived by his brothers Eric and Ralph, as well as his sisters Naomi Helton, Freda Tallmadge, Angela Summer, Michele Simmerer and Mary Lewis. He leaves behind many nieces, nephews, cousins, dear friends, and his "Des Moines family."