J. Rex Simmons

J. Rex Simmons passed away on Nov. 22, 2018 at Bloomfield Care Center. He was born Dec. 19, 1919 to Marion Edward and Ohio Belle Wheeler Simmons. He married Lorraine Shook on July 3, 1940 in Centerville, Iowa. They were married for 78 years, and all who knew them agreed that they exemplified what marriage should be. Rex loved his family, his work, his friends, and his country. When they were first married, he and Lorraine ran the switchboard in Drakesville, Iowa, and Rex also drove a truck with his father and brothers. They moved briefly to Ft. Madison, Iowa where Rex worked at the munitions plant until answering the call to service in World War II. He joined the US Navy and served in the Pacific at Guadalcanal. He loved to tell about his experiences and the people with whom he served. He kept a fierce love for his country his entire life. Rex was also a successful businessman. He purchased Drakesville Lumber Co. and then moved to Bloomfield where he established Bloomfield Lumber Co. with his partner, Curt Ross. He later became partners with Gene Stober, and they operated the business together until Rex retired in 1987. He also served on the board of the Northwestern Lumbermen’s Association for several years. After retirement, Rex and Lorraine spent winters in Lake Placid, Florida, eventually surrounded by a number of family and friends who moved down to be near them. Rex was an avid hunter, golfer and fisherman, showing that he could play as hard as he worked. His continued to enjoy golf with his buddies well into his 80’s. He loved to play cards, tell stories, and help with all sorts of projects. More than anything, Rex was devoted to his family. Besides being a wonderful husband to Lorraine, he was also a loving father to his four children. He taught his children to work hard, have fun, and love their families and friends. Rex was a member of the Bloomfield United Methodist Church and the Reed Whistler Post of the American Legion. Rex is survived by his wife Lorraine of Bloomfield, a son, Rodger (Carol) Simmons of Bloomfield, a daughter Lana (Larry) Boone of Lake City, Florida, a daughter, Rhonda (Clayton) Eakins of Bloomfield, and a daughter-in-law, Marsha (Terry) Willhoit of Batavia, Iowa, He leaves behind 7 grandchildren, 19 great-grandchildren, and 4 great- great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, a brother, Ralph; a brother, Max; a son, Brian; a granddaughter, Jessica Eakins; and a great-grandson, Reece Boone. Funeral services will be at the Bloomfield United Methodist Church on Monday, November 26 at 11:00 a.m. with Rev. Tim Frasher officiating. Visitation will be prior to the service beginning at 9:00 a.m. with the family present from 9:30 until the time of the service. Pallbearers are Eric Boone, Ryan Boone, Jared Eakins, Josh Simmons, Jim Nelson, Larry Boone, and Clayton Eakins. Burial will be in the Drakesville Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the Bloomfield United Methodist Church.

J. Rex Simmons

December 19, 1919 - November 22, 2018