Dorsey Lee Simmons Sr. , 71, of Fort Wayne, died peacefully in the company of family at 10:04 a.m. Monday, January 6, 2025 at his home.

Born on May 4, 1953, in Columbia City, Indiana, he was a son of the late Ned V. and Ruth B. (White) Simmons.  Growing up in Columbia City, he graduated from Columbia City Joint High School in 1971.

Joining the U.S. Army, he became a cook and served for 12 years.  He was honorably discharged in November of 1983.

He was united in marriage to Cindy Lane Clark on April 24, 1976.  She followed him in his military assignments last stationed in Texas.

Returning to Fort Wayne, he became a bus driver for Lakefront Lines and completed his driving career with Citilink in Fort Wayne with 12 years of service.

An active member of Life Bridge Church, he served as an usher and greeter and was a member of the Men's Group.  He participated in the church trip to Israel experiencing the Holy Land first hand, leaving him with lifelong memories.

At home he enjoyed being with the grandkids, teaching them his cooking skills and passing down his famous sloppy joe recipe.  He liked following the Denver Broncos and had attend a game at the Mile High Stadium. During football season, it became a tradition to gather for Sunday afternoon football with good food and cheer.

Surviving is his beloved wife of 48 years, Cindy; children, Stacy Clark of Fort Wayne and Dorsey L. (Kelsey) Simmons, Jr of Harlan; brothers, Elmer (Joan) Stocker of Carmel, Carl (Karyl) Simmons of Columbia City; sisters, Esther Smith and Beth Glassley both of Columbia City; grandchildren John (Payton) Clark, Carrigan Clark, Isabella Payne, Grayson Clark, Leah Payne.

The funeral service is at 2 p.m. Saturday (January 11th) at Life Bridge Church, 12719 Corbin Road, Fort Wayne with visitation from noon until the service Saturday at the church.  Arrangements are in the care of Smith & Sons Funeral Home, Columbia City.

Memorials in Dorsey's honor are to Cancer Services of NE Indiana or Heartland Hospice.