Howard L. Simmons, Lt. Colonel, Retired/ USAF

Herrin- Howard L. Simmons, Lt. Col. Ret./USAF 73, of Herrin, formerly of Casey, died at 9:30 AM, Saturday, February 5, 2005 at his home in Herrin. Howard was born on April 13, 1931 in Herrin to James E. & Flora (Choate) Simmons. He married Charlotte Morgan on September 26, 1992 in Herrin. She survives of Herrin. Mr. Simmons retired from the United States Air Force as a Lieutenant Colonel after twenty three years of service two of which were with the Pentagon. He then worked fifteen years as a safety inspector for the Illinois Department of Transportation. Though retired, Howard worked diligently for the community and others as a volunteer for various Red Cross blood drives, as past district governor of the Illinois Lions Clubs, as a Mason and Shriner, as United Way Drive volunteer, a member of the West Frankfort VFW & American Legion Posts, and as Bishops Warden at St. Marks Episcopal Church in West Frankfort. SURVIVORS: Wife- Charlotte Simmons- Herrin Stepchildren: Carla Nelson- Toledo, IL Carol Novak- Bedford, IN Bill Furrey- Texas Mary Nunes- Tucson, AZ Many grandchildren & great-grandchildren Sister- Katherine Walker- Joliet, IL Sister- Juanita Simmons- Calumet City, IL Many nieces, nephews and great nieces & nephews He was preceded in death by his parents two sisters; Mary Alice Simmons & Florence Simmons Lowery, and five brothers; Robert, Virgil, William, Charles & Ernest Simmons. The funeral service will be held at 1:00 PM, Friday, February 11, 2005 at Johnson-Hughes Funeral Home in Herrin. The Rev. Jon E. Griffin will officiate. Entombment will follow at East Lawn Memorial Gardens in Herrin. Military rites will be performed by the West Frankfort VFW & American Legion Posts. Visitation will be from 6-8:00 PM, Thursday, February 10, 2005 at Johnson-Hughes Funeral Home. For more information or to sign the memorial guest-register; please visit www.hughesfuneralhomes.com.