Joe Vernon Simmons, Sr., age 85 of Petersburg, WV passed away on Sunday, May 18, 2025 at Winchester Medical Center. Born February 7, 1940 in Franklin, WV and was a son of the late Lon Joseph Simmons and Hazel Virginia (Kimble) Simmons.
In addition to his parents, Joe was preceded in death by one brother, Norman R. “Bud” Simmons and two sisters-in-law, Anita Simmons and JoAnn Simmons.
Joe is survived by his wife of nearly 62 years, Bonnie K. (Runion) Simmons; three daughters, Christine Heavner (Nick) of Moorefield, WV, Cathy Berg (Danny) of Maysville, WV and Charlene Crawford (Dwayne) of Chambersburg, PA; two sons, Joe V. Simmons Jr. of Petersburg, WV and Daniel Simmons (Mark) of Washington, DC; eight Grandchildren, William “Willie” Heavner Jr., Sarah Gilhuys, Danny “Dusty” Berg, Jr., Valerie Ratliff (Josh), Kaitlyn Berg, Sandy Crawford, Brianna Crawford and Alyssa Crawford; nine great grandchildren; one sister, Stella Weatherholtz (Robert) of Dorcas, WV; two brothers, Mahlon Simmons (Connie) of Mt Airy, MD and Troy Simmons of Conway, SC; several nieces and nephews.
Joe was a 1958 graduate of Franklin High School. He served in the United States Army as military police in Maize, Germany and Wurzburg, Germany. He also was a mechanic for military vehicles. He was a mechanic on small equipment and later owned and operated Eastern Power Service. After retiring he and his wife moved back to West Virginia in 2002. He enjoyed woodworking, hunting and fishing. His passion was spending time with his family. He was a member of Maysville Bible Brethren Church.
Joe’s family will receive friends on Tuesday, May 20, 2025 from 6 – 8 PM at Schaeffer Funeral Home in Petersburg, WV.
Funeral service will be on Wednesday, May 21, 2025 at 1 PM in the chapel with Pastor Lynn Durbin and Pastor Josh Ratliff officiating. Military graveside service will be in Cherry Hill Cemetery, Upper Tract, WV by Grant County Veterans Honor Guard and United States Army Honor Guard.
Memorial donations may be made to Maysville Bible Brethren Church, P.O. Box 213, Maysville, WV 26833.
Online condolences www.schaefferfuneralhome.com
