Joseph L. Simmons was born October 12, 1933 in Hayward, MO to Alfred A. Simmons and Nevel "Polly" Viola DeTie. He died Friday, Jan. 9, 2015 at Cape Girardeau, MO at the age of 81 years, 2 months and 28 days. He was united in marriage to Donna Nolen on March 28, 1956 in Hayward, MO. She survives of the home. Preceding him in death were his parents, Alfred A. Simmons & Nevel "Polly" Viola Detie Simmons and step-mother, Mae Simmons, brother, Alfred "Cotton" Simmons Jr. and sister, Lillian Powell. He was owner/operator of Simmons Cleaning Service and was a self-employed carpenter for many years. He served on Portageville Fire Department from 1970-2005. He was an Army Veteran of Korean Conflict. He leaves to cherish his memories his wife, Donna Simmons of Portageville, MO; sons, Terry D. and Sandy Simmons and Ronnie A. and Kim Simmons, both of Portageville, MO and Michael R. and Brenda Simmons of Sikeston, MO; his daughter, Carla A. Cummings of Portageville, MO, brothers, Ardin (Peggy) Simmons of Portageville, MO and Gary (Carrie) Simmons of Poplar Bluff, MO; his sister, Sharon (Rayburn) Summerton of Vicksburg, MS, 5 Grandchildren: Justin Simmons, Joseph Simmons ,Carl (C.J.)Cummings, Chris Cummings and Tara Simmons 2 great- grandchildren, Rylen Cummings and Jaxon Simmons and a host of many other relatives and friends.