Donald C. Simmons, age 82, of Biggsville, Illinois passed away on October 14, 2024 at 2:58 pm at Southeast Iowa Regional Health Care Center in West Burlington, Iowa. Don was born on July 5, 1938 to William H. and Lois B. (Welch) Simmons at the Monmouth Hospital . He spent his childhood in the Warren and Henderson County area, graduating from Biggsville High School in 1956. After high school Don joined the United States Air Force where he served in Okinawa, Japan and Rapid City South Dakota. Don returned to Biggsville following his service where he married Marilyn J. Mudd on November 24, 1962. Don and Marilyn raised their children, Derek and Michele in and around Biggsville. Don was a man of many talents. Over the years he drove a propane delivery truck, worked at Case, farmed, and became a plumber. After completing his plumbing license, he joined Biggsville Plumbing and Heating before finishing his career with the “Green Army” at Monmouth College. Don served the community of Biggsville in a variety of roles. He was a member of the Biggsville Volunteer Fire Department where he played Santa Claus for the children’s meet Santa event, the Ambulance Service, and served on the town board. Don was a founding member of the Biggsville Businessman’s Association where he made his theatrical debut to critical acclaim in the association’s presentation of “Don’t Get Sassy!” Don enjoyed building things, from the barn in his backyard, to furniture, to stained glass windows. While he may have grumbled outwardly every time he remodeled a room, he not-so-secretly loved being able to serve Marilyn and his family.
Don is survived by his wife Marilyn Simmons of Biggsville, his son Derek Simmons and Tina of Roseville, daughter Michele Newberger and Jim of Milaca, MN; four grandchildren, Melanie Haluptzok and Parker of Willmar, MN, Allison McGrath and Collin (soon to be!) of St. Cloud, MN, Susan Swanson and Ryan of Sartell, MN, and Dan Simmons of Roseville, IL; great-grandchildren Dahlia and soon to arrive Lily Haluptzok, sister Jane Mahr and Bob of Bushnell, and many nieces and nephews. Don is preceded in death by his parents, William H. and Lois B. Simmons and his sisters Ella Milligan and Beatrice Day.
As were his wishes, cremation has been accorded and currently a graveside service and interment of his ashes and a military honor is being planned on Saturday November 9, 2024 at 10:30 am at the Biggsville Township Cemetery. Turnbull Funeral Home in Monmouth is in charge of his local arrangements. A memorial fund for the Biggsville Ambulance Service may be left at the funeral home or at his graveside service. To leave a remembrance or for more information please visit www.turnbullfuneralhomes.com
