Gregory Todd Simmons Beneke

Gregory “Todd” Simmons Beneke, 56 years old of Marion, Illinois passed away at home on Saturday,
August 26, 2023. Todd was born in Herrin, IL on December 24, 1966, to Greg and Janice Simmons of
Creal Springs, IL. He grew up in Marion and was a member of the MHS graduating class of 1985. He was
class president his senior year in high school, a good athlete (known as “Bobcat”), and excelled in
football and track. After graduating high school Todd attended ITT Technical Institute College of
Evansville, IN for a semester, and then decided to enlist in the United States Navy in January of 1986.
Beginning at a young age and throughout his life he enjoyed riding dirt bikes and listening to music. His
love of sports continued throughout his life as well, and was a St. Louis Cardinals fan and collected St.
Louis Cardinals memorabilia.
During his adult life he worked various career paths that included construction, carpentry, dry wall, and
coal mining before finding a passion in estate sales and lawncare. At the time of his death he worked for
an estate liquidation sales company assisting with home content liquidations. Those that worked with
him would tell you he worked hard and took pride in his work. He loved his family and was very proud
of his nieces, Macey and Lyndsee and his great niece and nephew Gracie and Tripp. He had given
himself to God and leaned on his faith throughout his adult life. His most memorable trait was his heart,
he had the biggest heart and would help anyone in need. This is what all that knew and loved him, will
miss the most. He was in a good place in his life, he was happy and had finally found peace within
himself.
He is survived by his mother Janice Simmons; his two younger sisters Nikki Simmons Beneke Adams and
Kelly Jo (Brett) Gissler; his nieces Macey Adams and Lyndsee (Chance) Ogden; his great niece Gracie Rae
Ogden and his great nephew Tripp Charles Ogden, and great nephew Max Walker Gissler; aunts, uncles,
cousins and many friends.
Todd is preceded in death by his father Charles Gregory Simmons who passed away March 17, 2020, and
grandparents Harry and Eileen Beneke of Marion, IL who passed away April 7 and May 2, 1997.
Binkley-Ross Funeral Home has been entrusted to assist the family with arrangements.
Visitation will be held on Friday, September 8, 2023, from 11-1 PM at the funeral home located at 1702
West Boulevard Street Marion, Illinois. A funeral service will follow at 1:00 PM.
In lieu of customary remembrances the family requests with gratitude that memorial donations be
directed to The Promise a nonprofit organization located in Marion in memory of Todd “Bobcat”
Simmons Beneke so that he can continue giving to those in need.