Rev. Floyd Eugene Simmons , 88, of rural Columbia City, passed from this life at 9:58 p.m. Wednesday, February 12, 2025, at Bethlehem Woods Nursing and Rehabilitation, Fort Wayne.

Born on May 30, 1936, in Wabash Twp., Clark County, Illinois, he was a son of the late Morgan and Fern Isabel (Hash) Simmons.  His formative years were spent in Illinois, and then the family moved to Indiana, where he attended Patricksburg High School.

On November 19, 1954, he entered the U.S. Marine Corps.  He trained as a field artillery fire control man.  He was honorably discharged from active duty on November 18, 1957.

On April 19, 1958, he married Yvonne M. Steichen.  They made their home in Horseheads, NY, raising seven children.  His beloved wife of 52 years, Yvonne, died on September 4, 2010.  In 2013, he married Carole A. (Burrous) Potter.  To be closer to family, Floyd has been a resident of Columbia City for over a year.

Throughout his work career he worked in the construction trade as a self-employed contractor.  He also became a minister in 1978.

A friend to all, he enjoyed conversing with anyone.  His favorite activity was driving through the countryside and observing wildlife, especially deer.  He liked to attend rummage sales with his primary purpose to meet new people.  He often finished the outing with a cup of coffee and a piece of pie.  He will be greatly missed.

Surviving is his wife, Carole of Westfield, PA; children, Michael Simmons of Columbia City, Cheryl (Lee) Talasleian of Horseheads, NY, Bruce (Lisa) Simmons of Columbia City, Robert Simmons of Fort Wayne, Phillip (Michelle) Simmons of Columbia City and Neil Simmons of Churubusco; 17 grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren.

Additionally, he was preceded in death by a daughter, Pamela Lamie; brothers, Bob, James, and Ernie Simmons; sisters, Maxine, Lilly, Mary, Bonnie, and Phyllis; a daughter-in-law, Connie Simmons; and a son-in-law, Leverne Lamie.

The funeral service is at 4 p.m. Friday (Feb 21st) at Smith & Sons Funeral Home, Columbia City.  Visitation is from 2 p.m. until the service.  Burial is at a later date at the Bath, NY National Cemetery.

Memorials in Floyd's honor are to New Beginnings.