Carl Raymond Simmons, Sr., of Breese, formerly of Litchfield, died on Saturday, July 11, 2026, at 11:58 p.m., at HSHS St. Joseph Hospital in Breese.
Visitation will be held on Saturday, July 18, from 9 a.m. until the time of service at 11 a.m., at Plummer Funeral Home in Litchfield with the Rev. Gary Schwab officiating. Masonic services will be exemplified at 10:50 a.m. prior to the funeral service. Burial will be in Elm Lawn Cemetery in Litchfield.
Mr. Simmons was born on Sept. 17, 1940, a son of Charles “Chaw” and Dolly (Small) Simmons. He was a dedicated veteran of the U.S. Army, where he served as Armor Crewman.
He married the former Mary Carol Jones on Jan. 25, 1958, at St. Timothy United Methodist Church in Litchfield and she survives. He was a professional truck driver for numerous truck lines. He was an active member of several fraternal and labor organizations across the region, including the Litchfield Moose Lodge #1634, American Legion Post 1026 in Albers, Mt. Moriah Lodge #51 in Hillsboro, Teamster Local 525 in Alton and Local 50 in Belleville. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, woodworking, dancing, playing cards and especially spending time with his grandchildren and being an active part of their lives and activities.
In addition to his wife, Mr. Simmons is survived by his son, Carl Raymond “Ray” (Sheri) Simmons, Jr., of Albers; daughters, Linda R. Simmons of Oskaloosa, KS, and Drenda K. Nemeth of Fayetteville; grandchildren, Brandy (Randy) Schmelzle, Patricia Wainner, Robert (fiancée Katie Finck) Wainner, Anthony Henley, Tiffany (Patrick) Smoker, Michael (Sonia) Simmons, Amy (fiancé Joseph Mixen) Simmons; and 12 great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents; son-in-law, Michael Nemeth; brothers, Charles Simmons, Jr., and William Harmon; and sister, Doris Driscoll.
Memorials may be directed to the American Legion Post 1026, 600 North Bertha St., Albers, IL 62215, or to the American Heart Association.
Plummer Funeral Home is assisting the family. Condolences may be left at www.plummerfuneralservices.com.
