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In memory of

Richard Allen Simmons

Marion, IL, USA

1941 - April 15, 2020

1941 - Apr 15, 2020

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Richard Allen Simmons, 78, of Marion IL went to be with Jesus around 4:10 PM, Wednesday, April 15, 2020. Richard was a fun loving man, father,and grandfather. Who through his lifetime enjoyed horse back riding, hunting, fishing, rodeos, playing music with his brother Billy and friends. Later he and his wife Gayle would go to various churches singing gospel hymns. He enjoyed mowing with his tractor , doing some gardening, and just piddling around in the yard. Richard was self employed a painter by trade. Painting almost everything in Marion even the SIH Cancer Institute building in Carterville were he spent many hours his last days as cancer had been diagnosed for him. Not failing to mention all his drawings and variety of paintings on canvas, shovels, saws, and even rocks. During mid 80's Richard had a real concern for the way things were developing in this state (Illinois)and decided to do something about it. So he ran for State Senate of the 59th district. Church was a big part of his life as well and his latter years proved he had trusted in the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ for his salvation. He was asked out of all the hobbies in his life which was his favorite? His answer was old cars fixing them up getting them to run. He and his wife Gayle went on many adventurous journeys to find an old car stashed away somewhere. Car shows were a highlight of his life as well. He and his friends had such good times of which I'm sure they do miss him. Richard is survived by his beloved wife of 39 years Wanda Gayle Simmons, daughters who became primary caregivers Rachette Simmons/Fiorenzi of Murphysboro and Debbie Simmons/Stilley and husband Allan of Roberts IL. Also surviving daughter Rhonda and Chris Jones, Donnie Ogden, Marie Delaney, Stacy Syers, and Millard Brown(Pee Wee); Grandchildren: grandson Ian and wife Shadigae Champion , Asa Champion, Leslie Sexton, Stepheney Carter, Dusten Carter, Chase Smith ,Chance, Jaydon, and Dillon Ogden, Micheal Stilley, Misty Jorgensen, Robin Lange, Mark Stilley, Caleb Stilley; Denny Delaney, Jaque Chin and companion Jerry Watkins, Cody Delaney and Owen Brown. Gayle and Richard have several great grand children. Also surviving are many nieces and nephews many of which lived close by. And were a great source of love, comfort, and encouragement to Richard especially during his time of great illness. Many other relatives, good friends , and neighbors were also so helpful in reaching out. So many expressed much love and were willing to do anything to help during Richard's most difficult last days on earth. Of which a very warm heartfelt thanks goes out to all of them who really knew Richard and loved him.
Richard was preceded in death by his parents, Ira Nimrod “Fuzz” and Lillie (Hollis)Simmons, sister Shirley (Simmons) Fitzpatrick, and three brothers, Sammy Ray, Billy , and Ira Junior “Buzz” Simmons, an adopted son of 9 years Richard (Rick-Ricky)Allen Sexton and Rick's daughter Kristy Lee Sexton.
His burial place is Webb Cemetery in Johnson County, IL near Tunnel Hill.

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