Kenneth was a United States National Guard veteran. He worked in the maintenance department for Belleville School District 201 for 21 years. He also had his own painting business. Kenneth was a devoted member of the Swansea Moose Lodge 1221, where he held many different offices and received many degrees. He was a member of the Jaycees in Millstadt and Belleville, IL, he was one of the first members of the American Legion band for Millstadt which later became the Crusaders. Kenneth was a former member of Mascoutah Sportsman Club, Lyons Club of Belleville. He was a past president of West Jr. High PTA, a member of the Lepo in Lake of Egypt. His biggest thrill was spending time with his granddaughters, watching them play sports, taking them fishing, and spending time with his family. He adored his first great-grandchild and lit up when she was born.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Ralph and Floy, nee Kennedy, Simmonds; two sisters, Rosemary Maserang and Nancy Simmonds; two brothers, Ralph Simmonds Jr. and Gary Dean Simmonds; and his two brothers-in-law, William Heil and William Maserang.
He is survived by his loving wife of 62 years, Patricia, nee Luekemeyer, whom he married on August 19, 1961; two sons, Gary (Marlene) Simmonds and Lawrence Simmonds; two grandchildren, Kristen Simmonds and Allison Simmonds (Andrew Pearson); a great-granddaughter, Abigail Simmonds; two step-grandchildren, Joshua (Lori) West of TX, and Benjamen (Sherry) West of TN; two step-greatgrandchildren, Kylie and Brianna West; three sisters, Carol (Frank) Albers, Patricia Dillon, and Barbara Heil; a sister-in-law, Marilyn (Bill) Borkowski; four Godchildren, Julie (Phil) Acker, Melissa (Roy) Billings, Amanda Borkowski, and Elaine Hollman; and many nieces and nephews.
Memorials may be made to the Memorial Care Center or to St. Paul Care Center. Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.rennerfh.com.
Visitation: Friends may visit from 4 to 7 p.m. Friday, October 13, 2023, at George Renner & Sons Funeral Home, Belleville, IL. A Moose fellowship ritual will be held at 6:45 p.m. prior to the service.
Funeral: Funeral services will be held at 7 p.m. Friday, October 13, 2023, at George Renner & Sons Funeral Home, Belleville, IL, with Rev. Doug Stewart officiating.
Celebration of Life will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, October 14, 2023, at Swansea Moose Lodge 1221, Swansea, IL.