John Simmons

John Simmons, age 76, passed away on Monday, April 3, 2017 peacefully at home in Sebring, Florida.  He was born on December 12, 1940 in Shattuck, Oklahoma to the late Herbert and Susan (Cloyd) Simmons.   Survivors include his wife, Roxann Simmons; children: Michael J. (Mike) Simmons (Liz), Mindy A. Higgins (Duane), Diana Settle  Tony Evans), Bryan Settle (Leslie), Cory Settle (Stacy): grandchildren: Chris Keller, Savannah Simmons, Sean Simmons, Parker Higgins, Anna Higgins, Cameron Higgins,  Corbin Settle, Audrey Settle; brothers: Irvin J Simmons (Delores), Richard (Dick) Simmons; Karen Simmons (mother of Mike and Mindy); sister in law: Betty Simmons;  special family friend, Laurie Woodman; and may be missed most by his four legged companion—favorite cat, Dust. Along with his parents, John was preceded in death by his siblings: William (Bill) Simmons, Herbert Simmons and Sandra Simmons.  John spent his early career working for IBM in Greencastle, IN, then he farmed for a number of years with his father-in-law, Jim Ray, in Stilesville.  He then became an Indiana Farm Bureau insurance agent, working out of the Danville office.  He earned several awards and attended many golf and travel events during his 24 years there before retiring in 2004.  During his final years, he spent much of his time fishing, golfing, woodworking, and restoring and enjoying his vintage cars.  John was an avid fisherman, particularly enjoying his many trips to Canada with family and friends.  He also enjoyed his personal “End of the Trail” (a favorite statue) in Sebring, Florida where he and Roxann spent the majority of his final four years.  He made many great friends in a short time at Spring Lake Golf Club, where he enjoyed playing in the men’s group and in couples events.  They were also members for many years at Twin Bridges Golf Club in Danville.  He was also partnered with his son, Mike, for twelve years at the Derby, the member/guest at Country Club of Indianapolis, winning their flight a number of times and the Championship in 2010.  John made friends everywhere he went, and was known as a great story-teller and jokester.  He had the ability to make people feel as if they had been lifelong friends, even if they had only just met.  He loved to make people laugh and at social gatherings he was truly in his element.  John was a great man who impacted many lives for the better over his 76 years, and he will be deeply missed by family and friends.  Memorial services will be held at 5:00 pm on Saturday, April 15, 2017 in the Hampton-Gentry Funeral Home, Plainfield, where friends may call on Saturday from 2:00 pm until service time at 5:00 pm.  Memorial contributions may be made to the Stilesville Christian Church, 8425 Morgan St. Stilesville 46180 or the Lyn House, Inc, 1155 Tecumseh St., Indianapolis, IN 46201.