Edward "Jake" Simmons

Edward R. “Jake” Simmons, 71 of McDowell, died Tuesday, December 17, 2002 at his home.

He was born April 5, 1931 at Doe Hill, a son of the late William A. and Lydia Crummett Simmons. On February 3, 1953 he married Jean Hatcher. He was a retired bus driver for the Highland County Public Schools with 20 years of service and was also a carpenter. He served in the U.S. Army during the Korean Conflict, was a member of Doe Hill United Methodist Church and attended McKendree United Methodist Church.

He was predeceased by two sons, Johnnie Ray Simmons and Wayne Simmons, two adult brothers, Joe Simmons and Darrell Simmons, and two infant brothers.

He is survived by his wife, Jean H. Simmons; a daughter and son-in-law, Connie and David Simmons; a son and daughter-in-law, Leonard and Linda Simmons, all of McDowell; a brother, Larry Dean Simmons of Churchville; seven sisters, Myrtle Simmons, Dorothy Hutchens, Elizabeth Simmons, Catherine Sandy, all of Staunton, Leoda Green of Churchville, Charlotte McCray of Waynesboro, and Carolyn Pullin of Churchville; three grandsons; three granddaughters; and four great-grandchildren.

A funeral service will be conducted at 2 p.m. Thursday, December 19, 2002 at Obaugh Funeral Home by the Revs. David Boger and Jerry Ginn. Burial will be in the McKendree Cemetery.

Active pallbearers will be Lowell Simmons, Craig Smith, Ben Outland, Eric Nolley, Roger Smith, Kyle Obaugh, Gene Moyers and Keith Simmons.

Honorary pallbearers will be nieces and nephews.

The family will receive friends from 7 to 8 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home.

Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of the Highlands, P.O. Drawer Z, Hot Springs, Va. 24445; McDowell Volunteer Fire Department, c/o Delbert Rexrode, Doe Hill, Va. 24433 or to Highland Co. Rescue Squad, P.O. Box 268, Monterey, Va. 24465.