Ronald L. Simmons, age 88, of Lawrenceville, Illinois passed away on Sunday, October 11, 2020 at the Deaconess Gateway Hospital in Newburgh, Indiana. He was born on September 22, 1932 in Allendale, Illinois, the son of Walter Leroy and Elizabeth (Mullinax) Simmons. He married Beverly Swaner on September 20, 1964, and she survives.
Ron was a pipefitter and a construction worker, and served his country as a Marine in the Korean War. His memberships included the UA Local 136 Plumbers & Steamfitters, American Legion, Elk’s, VFW, and Moose. He enjoyed fishing, gardening, and attending his children and grandchildren’s sporting events. His family will remember him as a loving husband, father, and grandfather.
Preceding him in death were his parents; four brothers, Victor Simmons, William ‘Bill’ Simmons, Sid Simmons, and John Simmons; one sister, Elizabeth Ann Litherland; and one son-in-law, Brad Volkman.
Survivors include his wife, Beverly; three children, Walter Len Simmons of Fort Walton Beach, Florida, Martin Ray Simmons and wife, Angie of Clemson, South Carolina, and Marcie Reneé Mefford and husband, Aaron of Lawrenceville, Illinois; one brother, Gary Simmons of Lawrenceville, Illinois; 11 grandchildren, Clayton Simmons, Curtis Simmons, Brittany Joiner, Kelsey Simmons, Ronald ‘Blake’ Simmons, Cole Simmons, Tanner Volkman, Dylan Volkman, Noah Volkman, Morgan Mefford, and Brianna Mefford; and eight great-grandchildren.
The family requests that a private service be conducted at the Emmons-Macey & Steffey Funeral Home in Lawrenceville, Illinois, which may be viewed on Friday, October 16, 2020 at 2:00 PM CST with the following link: https://www.facebook.com/Emmons-Macey-Steffey-Funeral-Home-Burial-Cremation-Services-241234759332208/. A public visitation will be on Friday from 11:00 AM until 2:00 PM CST at the funeral home, with social distancing guidelines. Burial will be in the Lawrenceville City Cemetery. Beverly’s heartfelt request is to have memorial donations be made to Team Brittany for her long-term medical needs and therapy of their granddaughter.
Please visit www.emmonsmaceysteffey.com to view the tribute and to send condolences.