Ronald Edgar Simmons, 88, of Gaylord, passed away on Wednesday, June 16, 2021.
He was born the son of James and Lavina (Butler) Simmons, on August 10, 1932, in Detroit, Michigan. He served proudly in the United States Air Force during the Korean War conflict, before coming home to marry the love of his life, Gerrie, in 1955.
Ronald moved to Gaylord in the 1970’s. He was a 3rd and 4th degree member of Knights of Columbus. He was also a member of the Eagles, and Elks Lodge. Before his hands gave out, he loved to do woodworking and carpentry. He loved to sing and always had a million jokes to tell.
Ron was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Geraldine; siblings, James (Isabell), Margaret (Clare) Patterson, Richard (Ruthann), and sister-in-law Merle Tourville.
He is survived by his children, Russell, Thomas (Peggy), Larry (Susan), and Carolann (Phil) Knapp; many grandchildren and great-grandchildren; and lots of nieces and nephews. Family was everything to him.
Funeral services will be held at the Nelson Funeral Home (135 North Center Ave., Gaylord) on Saturday, June 26, 2021, at 6:30 p.m., with visitation beginning at 3:00 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to O.C.C.O.A. (Otsego County Commission on Aging), 120 Grandview Blvd, Gaylord, MI 49735.
Arrangements were entrusted to Nelson Funeral Home and Cremation Service, PO Box 1548, Gaylord, MI 49735.
3 comments on “Ronald E. Simmons”
Carolann, Tom, Russ, We are so sorry to hear that you lost your dad. Sending you all a hug. Take care, Collette and Mike Hoeft
Uncle Ron was the best. Alway there with a warm smile, the best hugs and a “hey kiddo”. He will truly be missed but forever loved. Love and light to all friends and family during this time.
My ‘Mr. Right’. He sure was a hero and a legend. He loved everybody, unconditionally. Everyone that Grandpa came and countered with, he made them feel like they were always the best. We had fun, from golf to TV, swimming, chips, and to try during the ball game. If there was ever a time that I needed to talk or hang out, no matter how tired or what he was doing, he would drop everything just to talk to me and hang out. I have so many wonderful memories with him from bizarre as that we went to and also hanging out on me school Vacations or weekends. No matter how old I was he always stopped me and said a prayer. There is definitely not enough space for everything that I would love to put about my grandpa. In my book he was definitely a ‘hole in 1’. I will deeply miss him. And I love my grandpa. He’s a big part of who I am today and a big part of my heart. I am praying for the family and friends. This is really a big pill to swallow. Now it’s time to celebrate Grandpa getting his wings and seeing Grandma Simmons. God bless you all.