J.T. Simmons

J. T. Simmons of St. Helen, Michigan, passed away peacefully on June 25, 2016, after a
brief illness. He was surrounded by his family. J. T. was born September 28, 1925, in
Marshall, Michigan, to Clarence Tilton Simmons and Ruth Bernice Cooper. He was the
fourth of six children including sisters; Louise Waters and Anna Mae Spalding, and brothers; Rex, Lyle and Allan Simmons, all of whom preceded him in death. On August
16, 1947, he married Barbara Jane Pemberton in Marshall. She passed away after fifty-one years of marriage. On October 15, 1999, he married Vendela Rizor Simmons in Las
Vegas, Nevada. She survives. J. T. is also survived by his five children: Linda (Alan)
O’Leary of Coldwater, Sandra (Carl) Bennett of Marshall, Brenda (Terry) Warner of
Hersey, Melvin “Chuck” Simmons of Battle Creek, and Jay (Stefanie) Simmons of St.
Helen. Also surviving are nine grandchildren, twenty great-grandchildren, and three great-great-grandchildren.

J. T. served in the U.S Army on active and reserve duty from November 1945 to April 1950. He was stationed in Germany from March 1946 to March 1947 as a medical technician where he served as an attendant, drove, and performed maintenance on Army ambulances. He received the World War II Victory Medal and the Army of Occupation Medal.

J. T. worked briefly at Kellogg’s, Marshall Furnace Company, and a lumber company before joining Eaton’s in Marshall. At Eaton’s he held various positions including a Tool & Die Cutter/Grinder, Production Supervisor, and Engineer before retiring after 32 years of service.

From a young age until his retirement, J.T. was a member of the Marshall Moose Lodge where both his parents and in-laws were charter members. Upon retiring to St. Helen, he became an active member of American Legion Post 416 participating in many service activities including as a member of the burial team and cooking community meals.

When J. T. lived in Marshall, he was an avid bowler participating in many leagues. He loved to play cards and participated in card groups in both St. Helen and West Branch.
J. T. was a skilled carpenter and built or remodeled the family homes as well as creating many treasured gifts for his children and step-children in retirement. But, by far, his greatest love was bluegill fishing. He spent many hours on water and ice in Calhoun and Branch Counties and Lake St. Helen. His children and grandchildren will cherish their memories of learning to fish with him.

J. T. led a full life as a loving husband, father, and grandfather. His family will remember him as a fun-loving and playful guy who loved to tease his children and grandchildren, a hard-working provider with a strong work ethic, and as a kind and gentle man. He remained a gentleman throughout his illness, always with a smile on his face and gratitude for the many physicians and nurses who cared for him.

A family graveside service will be held at a later date conducted by the members of American Legion Post 416. Memorial contributions may be made to this organization at 10062 Ford Dr., St. Helen, Michigan 48656.

Arrangements were handled by Steuernol & McLaren Funeral Home in St. Helen, MI. Online condolences can be shared at www.steuernolmclaren.com