John E. "Jack" Simmons

John E. "Jack" Simmons, 80, Tipton, died at 10:00 p.m. Thursday, October 1, 2009 at Tipton Hospital.  He was born May 16, 1929 in Lafayette to Ralph A. and Dorothy E. (Rhodes ) Simmons.  He married Carol L. Arnholter on June 23, 1951 and she survives.

He was involved with agriculture all of his life as a farmer, John Deere Dealer, and he worked at Pioneer Hybrids.  After retirement Jack also worked for ACE hardware.  He was a member of the Normanda Christian Church, serving as a Deacon and Elder.  He was a member of Kiwanis, Masons, Shriners, B.P.O. Elks, and Lions Club.  Jack served in the U.S. Navy for four years.

Survivors besides his wife Carol include two sons, Michael L. Simmons, Carmel, Mark A. Simmons and wife Carla, Tipton; one daughter, Caren L. Placke and husband Fred, Highland Village, TX; seven grandchildren, Fred Placke and wife Erin, Rebekah Placke, Gregory Placke, Carey Placke, Trae Simmons, Tegan Simmons, and Tana Simmons; two great-grandchildren, Avery Placke and Gabriel Placke; three sisters, Carol McMullen and husband Robert, Florida, Rhoda L. Watson, California, and Margaret E. Eckenrode, Florida.

Jack was preceded in death by a daughter, Carey L. Simmons.

His funeral will be at 12:00 noon Monday, October 5 at Normanda Christian Church with Steve Brown presiding.  Burial will follow in Fairview Cemetery, Tipton with military rites.  Visitation will be from 2:00 - 7:00 p.m. Sunday at the Normanda Christian Church and from 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Monday prior to the service.

Young-Nichols Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.

Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society,  2723 S. Albright Road, Kokomo, Indiana, 46902.