Donald Dean Simmons

Donald Dean Simmons was born in Corning, IA to Ralph and Francisca Ethel (Finnestead) Simmons on July 5, 1935. He attended Corning School and graduated with the Class of 1953. He served his country with the U.S. Army during the Korean War from 1956-1958. After his discharge from the army he worked as a carpenter; employed at the Corning Creamery; Flynn Dairy in Des Moines, IA ; Prescott School custodian; built grain bins around S.W. Iowa; and worked ten years at Wal Mart in shipping and receiving. Donald retired in 1999.
On July 1, 1978 he was united in marriage to Marie Richie at the Redeemer Lutheran Church in Corning, IA They made their home in Prescott before his health failed and he moved to Corning Nursing and Rehab Center. Don enjoyed woodworking; painting ceramics and cement ornaments. He enjoyed spending time with the grandchildren, sharing his version of silly nursery rhymes and stories. His special present to them was the building of the playhouse where many hours of fun were enjoyed by the children. The grandkids affectionately referred to Don as “Dizzy Don”.
Donald is survived by his wife Marie; his daughter Linda (Randy) Cook of Des Moines, IA; sons: Russell Simmons of Lenox, IA and Kevin (Lynn) Simmons of Des Moines, IA; nine grandchildren; several great-grandchildren; step-daughters: Karen (Bob) Graf of Corning, IA; Janet (Kenny) Daugard of Siera Vista, AZ; Kathy (Doug) Franzen of Stanton, IA; Bobbie (Mike) Goldsmith of Corning, IA; eight step-
grandchildren; seven step-great-grandchildren; brothers: Clarence (Pat) Simmons of San Diego, CA; and Dennis (Dena Vittorio) Simmons of Rushville, IN.; sister: Caren (Marvin) Ebling of Hopkins, MO; several nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
Donald was preceded in death by his parents; granddaughter: Amanda Simmons; sister; Pamela Burton; and step-son Randy Richie.