Charles Chuck Simms Jr.

He was born June 21, 1930 in East Peoria to Charles and Margie (Kaiser) Simms. He married Joan Wheeler on June 20, 1953 in Canton. They were married 60 years. She survives along with one sister, Susan Simms of Morton, three children: Diane Fifield of Morton, Charles (Abby) Simms of East Peoria, and Mary (Peter) Marathas of Scituate, MA. Also surviving are ten grandchildren: Mary (Joe) Annen of East Peoria, Jill Massengale of Morton, Maggie Fifield of Peoria, Rachel, Sara, Peter, and Elizabeth Marathas of Scituate, MA, Amber (Mark) Kostner of Florida, Cassen (Tiffany) White, Lani (Brian) Adams of East Peoria, great-grandchildren: Kolby and Keira Miller, Danny (Becky) Laliberte, Stephanie (Eric) Calahan, Chatoh Roland, Paige Ashton, Sayleen Kelley, and great-great-grandchildren: Cami and Briana Laliberte of Florida.

He was preceded in death by his parents and one grandson, Chuckie Simms.

Chuck was a veteran of the Korean War, serving in the U.S. Navy aboard the heavy cruiser, U.S.S. Baltimore.

A graduate from East Peoria High School in 1948. He attended Bradley University with a two year engineering course.

He worked at Caterpillar, Inc., as an engineer for 38 years retiring in 1988.

His greatest pleasure during retirement was spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren. He was fortunate enough to be able to travel taking bus trips in the U.S. and many overseas including a trip to the Holy Land.

He liked to go antiquing and garage sales. He looked for old furniture he could repair and restore. Chuck was a wonderful family-oriented man who treated every member of his family as special. He will be greatly missed by all of them.

Visitation will be Sunday June 23, 2013 from 5 to 7 p.m. at Remmert Funeral Home in East Peoria. Funeral services will be Monday June 24, 2013 at 11 a.m. at St. Peters Lutheran Church in East Peoria where Chuck was a member. Rev. Kurt Mews will officiate. Additional visitation will be one hour prior to the services Monday at the church.

Burial will be in Fondulac Cemetery in East Peoria.

Memorials may be given to St. Peters Lutheran Church in East Peoria, or the OSF Richard L. Owens Hospice Home.

Please view Chuck’s obituary online at www.RemmertFuneralHome.com