Louis Wayne “Doc” Simmons, age 72, of Odin, Illinois, peacefully passed away at 5:38 A.M. on Tuesday, February 27, 2024, at his daughter’s home with his loving family by his side.
e was born on March 19, 1951, in Stockton, Missouri, the son of Louis Byron and LaDonne (Warner) Simmons. He married Karen Little and they later divorced. He later married Sheryl Egger on April 6, 1988, in Las Vegas, Nevada, and she preceded him in death on August 3, 2016.
Louis is survived by his loving family, daughter, Melissa Kelly and husband Bill of Odin, Illinois; grandchildren, Chelsea Simmons and significant other Jordan of Centralia, Illinois, Kameron Householder and husband Brady of Salem, Illinois, and Braden Kelly of Fort Liberty, North Carolina; great-grandchildren, Kynsleigh Simmons, Hadley Householder, Nora Householder, and Huxton “Jack” DeWolf; brothers, Kent Leonard and wife Deb of Urich, Missouri, and Brad Simmons of Urich, Missouri; sister, Ladena Spurgeon of California; step-brother, David Hancock; step-sisters, Sandra Hancock, and Alice Hancock; sister-in-law, Christine Egger; several nephews and nieces, including a special niece, Deidra Rapp and husband Tyler and many cousins. He was expecting the birth of his great-grandchildren, baby DeWolf in May of 2024, and Tillie Householder in July of 2024.
In addition to his wife of 28 years, Louis was preceded in death by his father, Louis Simmons; mother, LaDonne Hancock; stepfather, Max Hancock; son, Eric Simmons; father-in-law, Bud Egger; mother-in-law, Norma Egger; brother, Lynn Dale Simmons; brother-in-law, Jack Egger; special nephew, Steven Leonard; and his furry friends, Prince and Ellie.
Louis was an avid sportsman who loved to duck hunt and fish. He enjoyed his dogs, drinking coffee, and watching television, especially John Wayne movies, Gunsmoke, and NCIS. He loved to travel with the love of his life, going on an Alaskan cruise, and attending Scouts military reunions, Louis cherished the time with his family, and he was very proud of his grandchildren and loved spoiling them. He never met a stranger.
Louis entered the U.S. Army at the age of 17 to proudly serve his country during the Vietnam Conflict from 1969 to 1970. He was in the 2nd Battalion 8th Infantry Regiment 4th Infantry Division (Scout Platoon). He was involved with Sargeant Logan’s Track when he was involved in a Chinese Communist-made anti-tank mine explosion and was injured. As a result of his injuries, he received the Purple Heart and earned his Combat Medic Badge during combat. He was the rank of Sargeant First Class when he retired from the U.S. Army in 1991. After his retirement from the U.S. Army, Louis graduated with an associate degree in Hotel and Hospitality Management from Ozark Technical Community College in Springfield, Missouri.
A Graveside Memorial Service for Mr. Louis Wayne “Doc” Simmons will be held at a later date at Springfield National Cemetery in Springfield, Missouri. Inurnment will follow in Springfield National Cemetery with Military Honors accorded by the U.S. Army. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Mr. Simmons’ honor to the Second Chance Animal Rescue of Fayette County at 1332 North 1150 Street in Vandalia, Illinois, and may be received by the Moran Queen-Boggs Funeral Home at 134 South Elm Street in Centralia, Illinois. Please view the online obituary, send condolences, or share memories with Mr. Simmons’ family at www.moranfuneralhome.net.
