Hershel B. Simmons

STAUNTON, Va. — Hershel Bryan Simmons, 95, a resident of Brightview in Staunton, widower of Clora (Bodkin) Simmons, died Wednesday, March 20, 2013, at Augusta Nursing and Rehab.

He was born Sept. 11, 1917, in Sugar Grove, W.Va., a son of the late Clay and Lottie (Mitchell) Simmons.

Mr. Simmons served in the U.S. Navy during World War II. He retired from Dr Pepper Bottling Co. after 47 years of service. Upon retirement, he was employed by Valley Aging for 12 years. He was an active member of the Staunton Church of the Brethren, where he served as head usher for many years.

Surviving family members include a son and daughter-in-law, Robert J. and Judith B. Simmons of Acworth, Ga.; a daughter and son-in-law, Patricia and Charles E. Phillips of Mount Crawford; four grandchildren, M. Scott Simmons (Tracy) of Acworth, Ga., Terri Simmons Fritz (David) of Arlington, Tenn., Kris E. Phillips (Suzanne) of Charlotte, N.C., and Kim Phillips Kugelman (Josh) of Richmond, Va.; 11 great-grandchildren; a brother, Eugene Simmons of Waynesboro; a sister, Virginia Harris (June); a sister-in-law, Elizabeth Simmons; both of Staunton; and numerous nieces and nephews.

In addition to his wife, he was preceded in death by a brother, Raymond Simmons, and two sisters, Edna Simmons Wilson and Mildred Simmons Crummett.

A funeral service will be conducted at 11 a.m. Friday, March 22, 2013, at Staunton Church of the Brethren by the Rev. Scott Duffey. Burial will be private at Augusta Memorial Park.

Active pallbearers will be Scott Simmons, Kris Phillips, David Fritz, Josh Kugelman, Don Wilson, Ona Crummette, Jim Harris, Dennis Simmons and Keyser Kirtley.

Honorary pallbearers will be the Senior Adults of Staunton Church of the Brethren, Augusta Lions Club, Vernon Simmons, Jim Reid, Ernie Fishback, Paul Davis, Roy Pilson, and employees of Dr. Pepper Bottling Company.

The family will receive friends from 7 until 8:30 p.m. Thursday, March 21, 2013, at Henry Funeral Home and at other times at the home of the daughter, Patricia Phillips.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Staunton Church of the Brethren Capital Improvement Fund, 1615 N. Coalter St., Staunton, VA 24401.