Richard Dillon "Pa-Pa" Simmons

He was born July 28, 1935 in Peoria to Cecil and Flossie (Belk) Simmons. He married Sandra Kay Swearingen on June 30, 1956 in Peoria. She survives, along with three children: Tyler (Lana) Simmons of Bartonville, Selena (Tom) Dunne of Bartonville, Erica (Ryan) Kneer of Washington; five grandsons: Dylan (Samantha) Simmons, T.R. Dunne, Michael Dunne, Austin Kneer, Ayden Kneer; six granddaughters: Megan (Ryan) Welker, Reilly Dunne, Bailee Dunne, Kayla Kneer, Kami Kneer and Alyssa Kneer; also surviving are three great grandchildren, Jonah Welker, Claire Welker, and Carson Simmons.

He was preceded in death by one daughter, Andrea Dalyn Simmons; and four sisters: Katherine Miller, Ruby Curless, Lucielle Greer, Judy Sample; and two brothers: Ronald Simmons and Junior Simmons.

Richard served in the U.S. Army from 1954 through 1956. He was a member of the American Legion # 979. He took great pride in supporting his fellow Veterans. Rain, sleet, or snow he attended every Veteran’s Day Parade. He enjoyed spending time with his family and friends, fishing and rooting for his beloved Cardinals. He shared his love of baseball with his son, Tyler, and many other children, while coaching for the Limestone Little League. He especially enjoyed attending sporting events to watch his grandchildren.

Richard worked for Labor Union #165 for George Brooks and Son Construction, Armours Packing Co. as a Meat Cutter; Chris Hoerr and Son, delivering Rejoice Foods, Caterpillar Tractor Co retiring in 1996. He also drove a school bus for Laidlaw Bus Company for 13 years.

Cremation rites have been accorded. A Memorial Service will be held at Faith Missionary Church on Airport Rd at 5 pm on Friday, Nov. 2, 2018. A Celebration of Life will follow at Independent Steelworkers Union Hall on Bolivia in Bartonville from 6:30-9pm. Please feel free to wear your St. Louis Cardinals attire. Memorials can be made to Bob Michel V.A. Clinic at 7717 N. Orange Prairie Rd., Peoria, IL 61615. Davison-Fulton Bartonville Chapel is in charge of arrangements.