John William Simmons

John William Simmons, age 84, of Springfield, MI (formerly of Albion, MI) went Home to be with God on Wednesday, March 18, 2015. He was born on November 28, 1930 in Albion, Michigan. His parents were Mr. and Mrs. Rufus and Juanita Simmons. He was the youngest and third born son of 5 siblings: Courtney, Juanita, LaGussie and Rufus, Jr. He was born and raised in Albion. He graduated from Washington Gardner High School in 1948. In high school, he played in the band, orchestra and he was on the track team. Also, he was a Golden Glovers boxer. After graduating from high school, he went into the military. He was a U.S. Army sergeant and a Korean War veteran. He served three years in the Army. After his services in the military, he moved to New York City.

On June 15, 1962, he and his sweetheart, Venetta Russ, married in Queens, New York. They were married for 52 years. During their years in Queens, they had three children: Gary, Karen and Regina. In autumn 1975, John and his family moved from New York back to his hometown, Albion, Michigan.

John was truly the hardest working man. Throughout his lifetime, he had various employment positions. In New York City, he worked at Macy’s, he was a handyman, he worked odd jobs and he took professional training courses. Also, he worked in Michigan: Flint, Detroit, Marshall and Albion. In Albion, he worked at: Union Steel, Homestead Bank, Felpausch Food Stores, Family Fare, for over 30 years at the Secretary of State and 13 years of service at Starr Commonwealth, where he retired.

John truly loved his family and served them well with his time. He was very loving, honest, generous, dedicated, thoughtful, caring, giving, gentle, helpful and an unbelievably tough man. On weekends, he spent quality time with his family. He enjoyed reading Scriptures, carpentry, woodworking and metal projects, mechanical drawing, crossword puzzles, watching football, reading and barbequing.

His survivors are: his wife, Venetta Simmons of Springfield, MI; his son, Gary Simmons and his daughter, Regina M. Simmons, both of Tallahassee, FL; his sister, LaGussie (Clyde) Edwards of Flint, MI; and his brother, Rufus (Helen) Simmons, Jr. of Albion, MI.

He was predeceased by his oldest daughter, Karen Simmons (2005); his sister, Juanita Simmons (2013), his parents, Rufus Simmons, Sr. (1980), Juanita V. Simmons (1986) and his brother, Courtney Simmons (1963).

A Graveside Service will be held Wednesday, April 15, 2015 at 11:00AM at Riverside Cemetery, 1301 S. Superior Street, Albion

with Chaplain Ken Ponds officiating.

Arrangements entrusted to J. Kevin Tidd Funeral Home, 811 Finley Drive, Albion,

Michigan 49224