Albert Raymond Simmons, 86, of Burnside, Illinois passed away peacefully with his daughters by his side at Carthage Memorial Hospital, Carthage, Illinois on March 24, 2022.  He was born August 7, 1935 to Albert Paul and Ruby (Hutchins) Simmons in Ft. Green, Illinois the fourth child and only boy in a family of five children.  Raymond graduated from Colusa High School in May of 1953.  He was united in marriage to Judith DeAnn Johnson on September 21, 1957 at Immanuel Lutheran Church where he was a lifelong member.

 

Raymond spent his life work in road construction starting at Burlington Roadbuilders of Carthage, Illinois and later for Gunther Construction of Galesburg, Illinois.  He was a proud member of the Teamsters Union.  He made many friends during these years, friendships that lasted his lifetime.  He was proud to follow in his father’s footsteps (Simmons Lightning Protection) and installed lightning rods (along with the assistance of his good friend Jay Brown who was like a son to him) on many homes, farm buildings and businesses in the tristate area. 

 

An avid outdoorsman, he loved all things hunting and fishing. Many fond memories were made with friends and family enjoying the great outdoors and passing on his love of nature to his grandchildren.  In his earlier years motorcycling was a favorite hobby with Triumph motorcycles being his passion.  In later years he became a NASCAR fan and attended many races.  He looked forward to ending the day with conversation and a beer shared with friends at the VFW or Eagles Club in Carthage where he was a member.  Raymond liked to travel and made frequent trips to Daytona, Florida and Las Vegas, Nevada never hitting the big jackpot in Las Vegas unfortunately.  Having quick wit, he loved telling a good joke and making people laugh. He was a good friend and neighbor to many and could be counted on when needed.  Raymond spent the last few years of his life residing at Maple Grove/Hancock Village where his blue eyes and boyish smile were a favorite with resident’s and caregivers.

 

He is survived by;  his three children, Kevin Simmons, Pontiac, Illinois, Kim Collins of Columbia, Missouri and Kristi (Leroy) Lanning of Plymouth; his grandchildren Kent and Kane Simmons, Jason (C.J.) Linnenbrink, Jon (Heather) Linnenbrink, Jenny (Kevin) Peitz, Jillian Collins (Michael Wilson), Julia Collins (Jake Zuke),  Cole (Maggie) Lanning, and Shelby (Ross) Bruenger and eleven great grandchildren, Landon Randolph, Harper and Charlie Ann Lanning, Avery, Elliot Rae and Lucy Bruenger, Gunner Peitz, Emma and Stella Linnenbrink,  August and Ava Linnenbrink and Kyra, Kody and Kadence Simmons.  He is also survived by one sister Judith Hascup (the late Roy Hascup) of Greensboro, North Carolina.  

 

He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, a sister in childhood Docie, a special sister Diana and his oldest sister, Wanda Danner (late Jack Danner) of Rock Island.  

 

Visitation will be held at Printy Funeral Home on Monday, March 28, 2022 from 3 to 8 PM with family meeting with friends from 6 to 8 PM.  A celebration of life will be held at Immanuel Lutheran Church near Basco, Illinois with the Reverend Richard Hertenstein officiating at 10 A.M. Tuesday, March 29, 2022, with burial to follow at the Immanuel Lutheran Church Cemetery.