Michael Dean Simmons

July 31, 1949 - September 8, 2019

Michael Dean Simmons, affectionately known as “Beatle,” age 70 years, a resident of Vienna, Illinois, passed away Sunday morning, September 8, 2019, at 1:06 AM at the home of his son, David Simmons, near Joppa. Mike was born July 31, 1949 in Robbs, Illinois. He was the son of Floyd C. and Rebecca A. (White) Simmons. Mike was formerly united in marriage to Melinda Kaye Alsip on May 13, 1978. Mike is survived by: his children – Erinn Lea Bowman of Golconda, Miles Eric Simmons of Vienna, and David Ray (Danielle) Simmons of Metropolis; grandchildren – Abby Bowman and Kaylea Simmons; 2 sisters – Floy Harner and Nancy (William) Belford all of Vienna; as well as a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends. Mike was anticipating the birth of a granddaughter to be named Kylea who is due in November. In addition to his parents, Mike was preceded in death by: a granddaughter, Ella Rae Simmons, who died December 17, 2013; a brother-in-law – Ronald Harner; 2 nephews – Charles E. Mathis, Jr. and Michael Charles Mathis; and 2 nieces – Julie Harner-Thomas and Mindy Mathis-VanZant. Mike attended Vienna High School. He earned an associate degree at Shawnee College near Ullin. Mike was a U.S. Army veteran. He served during the Vietnam era and was stationed in Europe. Mike had been employed as a heavy equipment operator at the Southern Illinois Stone Company quarry at Buncombe and later on road construction projects. For over 30 years, Mike was employed in the healthcare field as a registered nurse. Mike was a gifted musician, vocalist and guitarist. He was a talented artist and drew exceptional pencil portraits. Mike was a non-denominational Christian. A gathering of relatives and friends celebrating the life of Michael Dean Simmons will be held Thursday, September 19, 2019, at 11 AM at the home of Mike’s Sister and brother-in-Law, Nancy and Billy Belford, 7560 Illinois Route 146 East, Grantsburg, Illinois. Marsha Hayes will officiate with a time of sharing of memories by those attending. Military honors will be accorded by the Beggs-Gurley VFW Post # 5222 of Vienna and the Illinois National Guard burial honors detail. Those attending the service are asked to gather at the family residence at 10:45 AM Thursday, September 19, 2019. Private inurnment will be in the Belford Family Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the family to assist with expenses and may be left in care of Bailey Funeral Home, P.O. Box 695, Vienna, IL 62995.