ARCHIE SIMMONS

Archie Simmons Sr. Dec. 10, 1937 - June 14, 2014 SOUTH BEND - Archie Simmons Sr., 76, affectionately known as "Dee-Dee," passed away on June 14, 2014 at his home in South Bend, Indiana, surrounded by friends and family. Archie was born December 10, 1937 in Forest City, Arkansas to the union of Ophelia Mooney and Willie Simmons. Prior to making his transition he gave his life to Christ.

He was a graduate of Central High School and joined the Army Reserves in 1953.

He was a retired Supervisor of Raco Inc. after 30 years of employment. Archie was a dedicated and avid golfer. He was a member of Par Putters, won many tournaments, and multiple awards for his awesome golf game.

Archie is survived by three sons: Michael (Judy) Simmons, Steven (Shirley Jones of TN) Simmons of South Bend, Indiana, and Archie Jr. (Carolyn) Simmons of Elkhart, Indiana; three daughters: Crystal (Terry Sr.) Lighthall, Phyllis (Wilbur Sr.) Campbell, and Karla (Larry Sr.) Parker, all of South Bend; five sisters: Dorthea Miller of South Bend, Helen Cox of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Loretta Banks and Carolann Cox of Kankakee, Illinois, and Shirlene Simpson of Joliet, Indiana; and one brother, Larry (Patricia) Cox of St. Anne, Illinois; one special uncle, Richard Mooney of St. Anne, Illinois, 18 grandchildren, 25 great-grandchildren, three great-great grandchildren, a host of close and loving family and friends, and a dear friend, Wilbur Boggs.

Archie was preceded in death by his parents, Willie and Ophelia Mooney; his first love, wife of 19½years and mother to his seven children, Phyllis Simmons; his wife of 9 years, Arline Simmons; a son, Mark Anthony Simmons; and 2 grandchildren, Carlton Simmons, and Steven Simmons.

The family would like to extend an extra special thank you to the Center for Hospice Care for their dedication and support in the final days of our loved one. Services for Archie Simmons Sr. will be held on Friday, June 20, 2014, at Clark-O'Neal Funeral Home, 2702 Lincoln Way West, South Bend. Visitation will begin at 11:00 a.m. and funeral service at 12:00 noon. Burial will follow at Riverview Cemetery. Sign his guestbook at www.clarkoneal.com. Arrangements entrusted to Clark-O'Neal Funeral Home.

Published by South Bend Tribune on Jun. 18, 2014.

03/02/2023  EJS