John Lewis Simmons, 97, of rural Bluford, passed away Tuesday, July 22, 2025, at Mt. Vernon Countryside Manor, in Mt. Vernon, Illinois.

He was born September 11, 1927, in rural Marion County, a son of Thomas and Kate (French) Simmons. He married Rebecca “Becky” Ward on March 14, 1949, and they were married nearly 67 years, when she preceded him on December 17, 2015. He was a retired farmer, and a member of Donoho Prairie Christian Church.

John is survived by four children, Gary Simmons and wife Karen of Mt. Vernon, Larry Eugene Simmons and wife Vickie of Texico, Brenda Parker and husband Jeffrey of Mt. Vernon, and Al Simmons and wife Angela of Salem. He was “Grandpa John” to six grandchildren and eleven great-grandchildren. He is also survived by a nephew, Dale Eller, and several cousins.

In addition to his wife and parents, John was preceded in death by two sisters, Alice Rose Simmons Fry and Nona Mabel Simmons Eller; three nephews, Johnnie Eller, Jim Eller, and infant Thomas Harlan Fry; and two nieces, Susan Eller Wooden and Joyce Eller Olmsted.

Graveside funeral services for Mr. Simmons were held at Donoho Prairie Cemetery, in Texico, Illinois. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to the Donoho Prairie Cemetery Fund, and will be accepted by mail to the Osborn Funeral Home, P.O. Box 130, Dix, Illinois 62830. Online condolences may be made at www.osbornfuneral.com, or on the Osborn Funeral Home Facebook page.