Robert A. Simmons

**Robert A. Simmons**, 71, of New Marion passed away Sunday, November 2, 2014 at the University Hospital in Louisville. He was born in Madison on January 7, 1943 the son of Robert D. and Lorraine Duval Simmons. He was married to Elaine Grow on October 22, 1982 and she survives. Other survivors include one son James R. Simmons of New Marion; two daughters Susan (Steve) Whitham of Canaan, and Sandra (Grant) Brown of Olean; 8 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren; two brothers James (Mary) Simmons of Lamb, and Thomas Simmons of Madison; one sister Sharon Bliton of Madison. He was preceded in death by his parents, and his son Kenneth Simmons. Mr. Simmons was a 1961 graduate of Madison High School. He was a Navy veteran of the Vietnam War where he served with the 20 Naval Construction Regiment. He received the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with two bronze stars, and the Vietnam Campaign Medal. He worked in supervision for US Shoe for 39 years in plants in Madison, Vevay, and Osgood, and also had farmed with his father operating a dairy farm as well as raising tobacco. Mr. Simmons was a member of the Brooksburg Baptist Church, the Vevay VFW, and the American Legion. Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, November 5 at 10:30am at the Stratton-Karsteter Funeral Home in Versailles with Rev. Dennis Werner of the Solid Rock Bible Fellowship Church in Napoleon officiating. Burial will be in the St. John Lutheran Cemetery in Napoleon with military graveside rites by the Osgood American Legion. Visitation will be on Tuesday from 5pm to 8pm. Memorials may be given to the Vevay VFW post in care of the funeral home.