SULLIVAN -- John W. Simmons, 78, of Sullivan passed away at 8:40 p.m. Sunday, March 19, 2005, in Terre Haute Regional Hospital.

Born July 6, 1927 in Sullivan, he was the son of Paul C. Simmons and Blanche Bennett Simmons. On February 17, 1950, he married Wilma Geatches Simmons.

He was a 1945 graduate of Sullivan High School. He was a bricklayer, a member of the North State Street Church of Christ and a member of Local #4 Bricklayers Union.

Survivors include: his wife of fifty six years, Wilma Simmons of Sullivan; one daughter Pam Jennings and her husband Phip of Shelburn; one brother William "Will" Simmons of Sullivan; one sister Mary Edwards of Linton; six grandchildren, Jason Riley, Joshua Riley, Andrea Riley, Deborah Grubb, Jordan Riley and Nathaniel Riley; three great-grandchildren; and other relatives.

He was preceded in death by his parents and one daughter Dianna Riley.

Funeral services will be at 2:00 p.m. Wednesday at the Holmes Memorial Chapel, Sullivan, with Bro. Allan Griggs officiating. Burial will be in the Center Ridge Cemetery. 

Visitation is 4-8 p.m. Tuesday and before services Wednesday at the funeral home.