George Simmons

George Simmons

George E. Simmons, 75, of Oskaloosa, died Saturday, November 19, 2011, at the Mahaska Health Partnership Hospice
Serenity House. He was born on April 6, 1936, at Moravia, Iowa, the son of Henry and Zatha Paxton Simmons. He graduated from the Tracy High School. On May 20, 1967, he was united in marriage to Phyllis McFadden at Oskaloosa. George was a talented mechanic and worked for nearly 35 years as a mechanic at various places including Mathias Motors and later owned and operated his own garage first in Attica and later in Bussey. He closed the garage and went to work driving semi. In 1996, he started driving for Hawkeye Wood Shavings in Des Moines. He was injured in 2008 and retired from driving. He enjoyed working in the yard and gardening. He was always willing to help family and friends with their cars when they needed work. He loved fishing and going to the Eagles to play games with his friends. He was a member of the Eagles. He delighted in spending time with his family.

His family includes his wife of over 44 years Phyllis Simmons of Oskaloosa; two daughters: Jerri (& Jim) Karr of Runnells, Iowa, and Kellie (& Dennis Stoddard) Headrick of Oskaloosa; five grandchildren: Wes and Shane Burk and Kristi and Kyle Headrick and Tyler Russell; 3 great grandchildren; a brother: Harold (& Ann) Simmons of Knoxville.

He was preceded in death by his parents, a son Kyle Mitchell; a brother: Donald Simmons; and three sisters: Christine Simmons, Wilma Johnson, and Margarette VanWaardhuizen.

Funeral services will be held Wednesday, November 23, 2011, at 1 p.m. in the Bates Funeral Chapel in Oskaloosa with Pastor Vince Goemaat officiating. According to his wishes he will be cremated following the funeral ceremony. The Bates Funeral Chapel is in charge of the arrangements. Visitation will begin Tuesday morning after 11 a.m. in the Bates Funeral Chapel and the family will be at the funeral chapel from 5-7 Tuesday evening to greet friends and relatives.