Obituary of John Simmons

John W. Simmons Sr., age 74, of Peoria passed away on Thursday, March 9, 2017 at OSF St. Francis Medical Center in Peoria. He was born to Hanford and Margaret (Brown) Simmons on June 14, 1942 in New York. He married Louise Smalley on June 29, 1974. John is survived by his wife of 43 years, Louise, of Peoria; children, Debra Mctier of Dublin, GA, Roberta (Jim) Fitzpatrick of Amenia, NY, John Simmons Jr. of Peoria, Patrick Simmons of Poughkeepsie, NY, and Douglas Simmons of NC; 12 grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; sisters Hannah, Winnie, and Dot; sister-in-law, Beth; and ex daughter-in-law, Thi Simmons. He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers, and sisters. John was known as the life of the party and will be missed by all who loved him. A visitation for John will be held on Wednesday, March 15, 2017 at Cumerford-Hurd Funeral Home in Peoria from 12:00-2:00 PM. Cremation rites will be accorded and burial will be held at a later date in Millerton, NY. Memorials in honor of John may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. John's online memorial website may be viewed at www.cumerford.com