Warren W. 'Simmie' Simmons
July 28, 2016 at 4:25 p.m.
By -
He was born June 18, 1920, in Whitley County, to Samuel and Clara Pfleiderer Simmons. On July 31, 1943, in Syracuse, he married the love of his life and best friend, Mary E. Sowers, who survives.
Growing up he shared his childhood with a brother, Russell, and a sister, Esther. In 1938 with great pride he graduated from Coesse High School. He began working for Nickel-Plate Railroad until he was drafted to serve our country. In January 1943, he entered basic training with the U.S. Army during World War II. In 1946 he was honorably discharged, achieving the rank of master staff sergeant. He and his wife shared life's adventures for nearly 70 years. They raised six wonderful children. The family tree flourished with the added blessings of 19 grandchildren and 28 great-grandchildren.
Returning home from the service, he farmed with his father on two family farms in Kosciusko County. In 1960 he moved his family to Fulton where he was the manager and buyer for P.B. Stewart Hog Market. In 1971 he purchased Simmons Sunoco in Fulton, where he served the community with his friendly, welcoming personality and his mechanical skills. He retired in 1987 and worked part-time for Ag Services while enjoying gardening, mushroom hunting, his bi-annual fishing trips to Wisconsin and I.U. basketball. As the proud patriarch of the Simmons family, he enjoyed the time spent with four generations.
He is lovingly remembered by his wife; four daughters, Judy (and spouse Kenny) Reed, Kewanna; Sharon Bowman, Fulton; Debbie (and spouse Ron) Sheets, Twelve Mile; and Patti (and spouse John) Donahue, Charleston, S.C.; two sons, Jerry Simmons, Michigan City, and Ron (and spouse Teresa) Simmons, Topeka, Kan.; 19 grandchildren, 28 great-grandchildren; and nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; a son, Richard Dale; a brother, Russell; a sister, Esther Wolfe; and a great-grandson, Junior Buswell.
A celebration of the life will be at 10 a.m. Wednesday at Good Family Funeral Home, 1200 W. 18th St. Rochester, with the Revs. George Hapner and Bruce Russell officiating. Graveside services will be at South Whitley Cemetery at 12:15 p.m. with military honors by members of Fulton County Veterans Honor Guard and the Whitley County Korean War Veterans Honor Guard.
Calling is from 4 to 8 p.m. today and one hour prior to the service Wednesday at the funeral home.
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Memorials may be made to Guardian Angel Hospice or Angels of Mercy.
Condolences may be sent via www.goodfamilyfh.com[[In-content Ad]]
He was born June 18, 1920, in Whitley County, to Samuel and Clara Pfleiderer Simmons. On July 31, 1943, in Syracuse, he married the love of his life and best friend, Mary E. Sowers, who survives.
Growing up he shared his childhood with a brother, Russell, and a sister, Esther. In 1938 with great pride he graduated from Coesse High School. He began working for Nickel-Plate Railroad until he was drafted to serve our country. In January 1943, he entered basic training with the U.S. Army during World War II. In 1946 he was honorably discharged, achieving the rank of master staff sergeant. He and his wife shared life's adventures for nearly 70 years. They raised six wonderful children. The family tree flourished with the added blessings of 19 grandchildren and 28 great-grandchildren.
Returning home from the service, he farmed with his father on two family farms in Kosciusko County. In 1960 he moved his family to Fulton where he was the manager and buyer for P.B. Stewart Hog Market. In 1971 he purchased Simmons Sunoco in Fulton, where he served the community with his friendly, welcoming personality and his mechanical skills. He retired in 1987 and worked part-time for Ag Services while enjoying gardening, mushroom hunting, his bi-annual fishing trips to Wisconsin and I.U. basketball. As the proud patriarch of the Simmons family, he enjoyed the time spent with four generations.
He is lovingly remembered by his wife; four daughters, Judy (and spouse Kenny) Reed, Kewanna; Sharon Bowman, Fulton; Debbie (and spouse Ron) Sheets, Twelve Mile; and Patti (and spouse John) Donahue, Charleston, S.C.; two sons, Jerry Simmons, Michigan City, and Ron (and spouse Teresa) Simmons, Topeka, Kan.; 19 grandchildren, 28 great-grandchildren; and nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; a son, Richard Dale; a brother, Russell; a sister, Esther Wolfe; and a great-grandson, Junior Buswell.
A celebration of the life will be at 10 a.m. Wednesday at Good Family Funeral Home, 1200 W. 18th St. Rochester, with the Revs. George Hapner and Bruce Russell officiating. Graveside services will be at South Whitley Cemetery at 12:15 p.m. with military honors by members of Fulton County Veterans Honor Guard and the Whitley County Korean War Veterans Honor Guard.
Calling is from 4 to 8 p.m. today and one hour prior to the service Wednesday at the funeral home.
*****
Memorials may be made to Guardian Angel Hospice or Angels of Mercy.
Condolences may be sent via www.goodfamilyfh.com[[In-content Ad]]
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