Mark Simmons

Mark Everett Simmons, 52, of Hightown, died Tuesday, April 12, 2005 at Pocahontas Memorial Hospital in Marlinton, W.Va.

He was born May 22, 1952 in Melrose, Mass., the son of Everett Gage Simmons and Barbara Talbot Simmons.

He is survived by his wife of 32 year, Deborah L. Simmons, who he married Sept. 23, 1972.

Mr. Simmons was a licensed optician for a number of years before moving to Virginia, where he returned to his first love of carpentry and furniture making. He was also employed by Virginia Department of Emergency Management and was an active member of the Highland County Fire Department.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by his mother Barbara T. Wood of Medway, Mass.; a daughter Jessica Heidi Simmons of Blue Grass; two brothers and sisters-in-law, John J. Simmons and Suzanne Simmons of Blue Grass, and Peter R. Simmons and Eileen Simmons of Hopedale, Mass.; a sister and brother-in-law, Caroline Boandl and Carter Boandl of Hopkinton, Mass., a grandson Walker Colton Williams of Blue Grass; his step-mother, Gloria F. Simmons of Hopkinton, Mass.; nine nieces and nephews, Erica J. Simmons and Joshua W. Simmons of Blue Grass, Amy R. Spada of Hopkinton, Mass., Joy M. Longa, David C. Longa, Matthew S. Longa, all of Milford, Mass., Jacqueline Simmons of Framingham, Mass., Peter D. Simmons of Monterey, Calif., and Amanda Simmons of Hopkinton, Mass.; two great-nieces, Haley R. Warner and Cassady J. Warner of Blue Grass.

He was preceded in death by his father Everett Gage Simmons and sister, Jo Ann Longa.

Family and friends gathered together at the Monterey Fire House Saturday, April 16, and family gathered by the river at the home of John and Suzanne Simmons on Sunday, April 17 for a private memorial.

Memorial contributions can be made to the Highland County Volunteer Fire Department, P.O. Box 267, Monterey, Va. 24465.