Guy Michael Simmons, Sr.

If you are about to throw away an old sandwich bag, stop! Consider – Guy Michael Simmons, Sr. “Free Bird”who entered eternal life on January 10, 2015. His spirit is carried on by his children: Michelle Simmons of Austin, Texas, Edward (Monique) O’Rourke of Hammond, Indiana, Miketa (Brian) Warren of Vienna, Rock Jordan of Gary, Indiana, Guy (Jamie) Simmons of Buncombe, Timothy O’Rourke of Hammond, Indiana, Angel (Jason) Newman of Robinson, Della (Matt) Naese of Buncombe, and Angela (Troy) Kerley of Simpson; also the “Papa” to 13 grandchildren and 1 great grandchild. Also surviving is his wife – April Simmons of Gary, Indiana; his mother – Bonnie Kerley of Vienna; his sister – Cathy (Don) Novakovich of Crown Pointe, Indiana; along with an extended family of relations and friends from every walk of life. He was preceded in death by his father, Guy B. Simmons. “Free Bird” was an avid motorcyclist. That big, burly biker, he rode fast and he rode hard. He had a heart of gold, always riding for a cause. If you knew him, or even if you didn’t, you knew that he preferred two wheels to four. We were blessed to learn many valuable lessons from “Free Bird” in his 56 years of life. Be crazy, have fun, love, live. Never throw away an old sandwich bag. Give it as a gift, it is the gift that keeps giving. If an opossum takes up residence in your shed, grab a BBQ brush to coax him out. If he doesn’t leave, brush him for 20 minutes and keep him as a pet. Let a dog (or two or three) share your bed. Never take anything too seriously. “Free Bird” was known for being stubborn and raising hell for more than 5 decades. He knew how to have a good time and knew what it meant to live life to the fullest. Guy Michael Simmons is now reunited with his brother John “Ricky” Simmons. Feel free to come and tell stories that he can no longer tell. Visitation was conducted Wednesday evening, January 14, 2015, from 5 PM – 7 PM at the Carrier Mills Tabernacle Church. Funeral services were held Thursday afternoon, January 15, 2015, at 1 PM also at the Carrier Mills Tabernacle Church. Burial was in the Simmons Family Cemetery, east of Ozark. Military graveside rites were accorded by the Beggs-Gurley VFW Post # 5222 and the Illinois National Guard Burial Honors Detail. Memorials are suggested to the family. Rest in Peace "Free Bird," for you we toke, toke, pass.

Guy Michael Simmons, Sr.

January 14, 1958 - January 10, 2015