1951
Joseph
2019
Joseph Anthony Simmons
June 19, 1951 — April 16, 2019
Joseph Anthony Simmons, 67, passed away Monday, April 16 at Rose Arbor after years of failing health. He was born in Philadelphia, PA on June 19, 1951 to Anthony J. Simmons Sr. and Helen (Sadausks) Simmons.
Joe enlisted in the Army following high school graduation, Vietnam era. He served at Fort Lee, Virginia and Aberdeen Proving Grounds, Maryland. Most of his military career was spent in Germany. Joe's last duty assignment was at WMU with the ROTC. He served as the rifle team coach. Joe wore the uniform of a soldier and loved the Country he served. He retired honorably in 1987 due to diabetes, with the rank of Sergeant First Class.
Joe was a "Jack of all Trades"; skilled at many things, until health issues prevented him from doing those things he was so good at. He was a great animal lover, adopting dogs and cats over the years. With multiple bird feeders, Joe kept his little buddies well fed.
Joe loved all of his family deeply. He was proud of his son, stepchildren, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Joe was a devout Catholic and member of St. Joseph Church for many years. He was especially proud when his stepson John enlisted in the Airforce, followed by his own son, Ben. Also serving in the Military; grandson Sean Jr, granddaughter, MacKenzie, and granddaughter Megan. Joe prayed daily for the safety of his family.
Joe was preceded in death by his parents and sisters Kathleen Simmons and Mary Ann Kuwait.
Joe is survived by his wife Patricia. They would have celebrated 34 years of marriage in June. Also surviving is son TSgt Ben Simmons, USAF, Germany, and Brother Anthony J. Simmons, Philadelphia, PA; Stepchildren Sean (Wendie) Honeysett of Mattawan; Molly (Jerry) Gee of Johnstown, CO; TSgt John Honeysett, USAF Ret. of Middleville; 11 grandchildren; 2 great-grandchildren and Niece Teresa Simmons of Philadelphia, PA.
Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated by Rev. Msgr. Michael Hazard at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Kalamazoo, MI on Tuesday April 23, 2019 at 2:00pm. There will be one hour of visitation at the church, starting at 1:00pm. A private committal will be held on Wednesday April 24, 2019 at Fort Custer National Cemetery with full military honors.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Rose Arbor Hospice, Kalamazoo, MI.
Joe enlisted in the Army following high school graduation, Vietnam era. He served at Fort Lee, Virginia and Aberdeen Proving Grounds, Maryland. Most of his military career was spent in Germany. Joe's last duty assignment was at WMU with the ROTC. He served as the rifle team coach. Joe wore the uniform of a soldier and loved the Country he served. He retired honorably in 1987 due to diabetes, with the rank of Sergeant First Class.
Joe was a "Jack of all Trades"; skilled at many things, until health issues prevented him from doing those things he was so good at. He was a great animal lover, adopting dogs and cats over the years. With multiple bird feeders, Joe kept his little buddies well fed.
Joe loved all of his family deeply. He was proud of his son, stepchildren, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Joe was a devout Catholic and member of St. Joseph Church for many years. He was especially proud when his stepson John enlisted in the Airforce, followed by his own son, Ben. Also serving in the Military; grandson Sean Jr, granddaughter, MacKenzie, and granddaughter Megan. Joe prayed daily for the safety of his family.
Joe was preceded in death by his parents and sisters Kathleen Simmons and Mary Ann Kuwait.
Joe is survived by his wife Patricia. They would have celebrated 34 years of marriage in June. Also surviving is son TSgt Ben Simmons, USAF, Germany, and Brother Anthony J. Simmons, Philadelphia, PA; Stepchildren Sean (Wendie) Honeysett of Mattawan; Molly (Jerry) Gee of Johnstown, CO; TSgt John Honeysett, USAF Ret. of Middleville; 11 grandchildren; 2 great-grandchildren and Niece Teresa Simmons of Philadelphia, PA.
Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated by Rev. Msgr. Michael Hazard at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Kalamazoo, MI on Tuesday April 23, 2019 at 2:00pm. There will be one hour of visitation at the church, starting at 1:00pm. A private committal will be held on Wednesday April 24, 2019 at Fort Custer National Cemetery with full military honors.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Rose Arbor Hospice, Kalamazoo, MI.
To order memorial trees in memory of Joseph Anthony Simmons, please visit our tree store.
Service Schedule
Past Services
Visitation
Tuesday, April 23, 2019
1:00 - 2:00 pm (Eastern time)
St. Joseph Catholic Church
Mass of Christian Burial
Tuesday, April 23, 2019
Starts at 2:00 pm (Eastern time)
St. Joseph Catholic Church
Guestbook
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