Joel Don Simmons 1912-1985

Joel Don Simmons, son of James Simmons and Ida Mae (Holmes) Dabbs was born on September 10, 1912, at Miami, Oklahoma and passed away on January 21, 1985 at Pontiac General Hospital, Pontiac, Michigan at the age of 72 years, 4 months, and 11 days.

On November 16, 1934 he was united in marriage to Jewel Evans and to this union 10 children were born.

He spent his childhood in Oklahoma, moving to Pontiac, Michigan during the depression years. He followed his mother, Ida Dabbs, and sister, Bessie Burkhart to Pulaski County in the early 40’2. He worked on the railroad and drove a truck and other odd jobs while in Missouri, then returned to Pontiac in the 50;s where he retired from the Birmingham School System.

His greatest hobby was playing the guitar for family and friends.. He brought joy to all who knew him.

Funeral services were held Thursday, January 24, 1985 at 1:00 p.m. at the First Open Bible Church on Joslyn Road with pastor John D. Freeman and a family friend Reverend Loren Terimarsh officiating.

Interment was in the Perry Mount Park Cemetery with Huntoon Funeral Home, Pontiac, Michigan in charge of arrangements.

He leaves to mourn his passing his loving wife of the home Jewel Simmons; his children: Mrs. William (JoAlice) Searle of Davisburg, Michigan, Mrs. Sam (Charlotte) Bailey of Lake Orion, Michigan, Mrs. Kenneth (Katherine) Gee, Mrs. David (Carol) Huston, Mrs. Joan Hatfield, and Bill Simmons all of Pontiac, Michigan, Mrs. Norman (Nancy) Miller of Troy, Michigan, Michael and Nita Simmons of Clarkston, Michigan, Dale and Ginny Simmons of Drayton Plains, Michigan; 24 grandchildren and 18 great grandchildren; dear brother of Mrs. Roy (Mary Avo) Shelter of Preston, Kansas and a host of nieces, nephews and sister-in-laws, including Mr. and Mrs. Arnold Hall and children, Crocker, Missouri, Mr. and Mrs. Chester Dye and family of Crocker, Mr. and Mrs. Rollie Evans and family of Laquey, Missouri, also nephew Dale and Cora Mae Shetler and children of Shady Grove Road, along with a host of other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his father James Simmons, and mother Ida Mae Dabbs, his first child, Lahona Jewel (Simmons) Frye, wife of Carl Frye, a brother Huel Simmons, two

(Remainder of obituary text is missing)