Ivan Simmons

Ivan Simmons, 94, of North Kingsville passed away Tuesday October 6th, 2020 at UH Geauga hospital.  He was born January 2, 1926 in North Kingsville, Ohio, the son of Freeman and Grace (Watts) Simmons.

Ivan served in the 65th Infantry Division during WW II.  He was the company runner communicating orders from the company commander to the front-line officers, where he came under direct fire several times.  He earned the combat infantryman's badge while fighting through France, Belgium, and Germany.  His last post before returning home was as a guard of German prisoners of war at the former concentration camp at Dachau.  He was able to attend the last reunion held for members of the 65th Division who served during the Second World War.  After his time in the service he worked for Precision Piping until his retirement.

The church was an integral part of his life.  He served in various church positions and his faith sustained him on a daily basis.  He attended the Ashtabula First Church of the Nazarene and he enjoyed being part of the AFC small group and Classics.

He was an active member of the Ashtabula Antique Engine Club where he was in charge of the Big Engine Shed.  He ran his Reid engine "Big Red" at every show.  Ivan also was an active member of the honor guard at Neal Post 743 North Kingsville.  He took great pride in being able to participate in ceremonial duties up until the time of his passing.

He enjoyed fishing, boating, traveling, spending time at his camp, his great grandson's late model car racing, building clocks, and painting with his friends at the Senior Center.  He was a talented painter and won several blue ribbons and best of show at local competitions.

Ivan will be remembered for his zest for life, wit, and sense of humor.  He was well liked and an inspiration to all who knew him.

Survivors include his children; Beverly (Ronald) Santee of North Kingsville,  David (Charelyn) Simmons of Kingsville, and Betty (Jeff) Bond of Ashtabula,  grandchildren; Kevin(Terri) Santee, Amy(Mark) Kollhoff, Julie Simmons, Gregg Simmons, eleven great grandchildren, nephew Ray (Cindy) Kitchen, and his lady friend of 13 years Ruth Williams whose friendship was very special to him.

He was preceded in death by his parents; wife Zella (Burdine) Simmons, son Stanley Simmons, brothers Oliver and Ray Simmons, sisters Mary Louise Blank and Leona Kitchen, and his companion of 14 years Josephine Merlene.

Visitation will be Tuesday October 13, 2020 at 10:00 am until the time of the service at the Ashtabula First Church of the Nazarene, 1820 S. Ridge Rd. W, Ashtabula.  Funeral services will begin at 11:00 am.  Pastor David Hall and Pastor Sean Hampton will be officiating the service.  Burial will follow in East Lake Cemetery, North Kingsville with military honors being conducted by the Neal Post 743.

Due to the Covid-19 pandemic masks and social distancing will be observed.

Contributions may be made to the Neal Post 743 North Kingsville, Ashtabula Antique Engine Club, or the Youth group of Ashtabula First Church of the Nazarene.  Envelopes will be available at the church and also at the Marcy Funeral Home and Cremation Center, 208 Liberty St., Conneaut, which is honored to be entrusted with arrangements.

The guestbook may be signed at http://www.marcyfuneralhome.com. 

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Ivan Simmons, please visit our floral store.