Joe D. Simmons

"J.D." Joe Dean Simmons was born on September 28, 1927 at Saltville near Barnard, KS to Frederick Cole and Bernice Eva (Kaul) Simmons. He grew up in the country where his parents farmed. J.D. had 4 brothers, Richard and John Simmons, Arlyn-deceased and an infant brother—deceased. He attended country school, then part of high school at Barnard and graduated with the class of 1945 at Beloit High School. He enjoyed playing football and showing his calves in 4-H. After finishing high school J.D. continued to farm with his dad and has farmed all his life. J.D. also enjoyed breaking horses and helping other farmers when needed.
J.D. married Gloria Joan Haneberg and they were blessed with 7 children, Sheryl, Pam, Barbara, Jodi, Pat, Rosalyn and J.R. J.D. has 15 grandchildren, 26 great-grandchildren and 3 great-great grandchildren. Family was important to J.D. Every other Sunday was spent at his parents with brother Arlyn's family for dinner and the afternoon visiting and the cousins playing.
He took his family on vacations every summer visiting brothers Richard and John, many times pulling a little camper trailer all the way to Minnesota and Ohio. Several hired men helped on the farm and became a special part of his family. When J.R. was old enough he worked beside him and they were inseparable. Working together until J.D.'s eyesight failed and retired a few years ago. He still enjoyed riding around checking the crops.
J.D.'s wife Joan passed away in 1998 and J.D. later married JoAnn Hanson in 2000. They enjoyed dancing and traveling and were married 15 years. J.D. is a member of St. John's Catholic Church and states that his faith is very important to him.
J.D. was a very loving husband and father and taught his family integrity and compassion and that faith and family are the most important possessions you can have.
He is survived by his children, Sheryl Henry(Mark) of Lake Ozark, Missouri, Pamela Griffeth(Glenn) of Topeka, Barbara Simmons of Hays, Jodi (Bill) File of Beloit, Pat (Jerry) Goddard of Glasco, Rosalyn Bowers(Kevin) of Williamsburg, Virginia, & JR (Kay) Simmons of Beloit; 15 Grandchildren, Mike and Jarrod Powell, Lindsay Henley, R.D. and Josh Griffeth, Heather Barranco, Stephanie Gerken, Courtney Bishop; Jason Goddard; Patrick, Bridget, Kelsy, and Shaylin Bowers; Tyler and Jacee Simmons; 26 Great Grandchildren; and 3 Great, Great Grandchildren, Brothers Richard(Betsy) of Fl., John (Gail) of Va.

Funeral services will be at 10 AM Thursday, April 13 at St. John's Catholic Church followed by burial in Saltville Cemetery. A rosary service will be held at 5:30 PM Wednesday, & visitation will be from 9 AM until the rosary service at the McDonald Funeral Home. Memorials may be given to Solomon Valley Hospice.