Van Simmons Sr.

Van Edward Simmons Sr., 75, of McDowell, died Wednesday, January 23, 2002 at The Springs Nursing Center.

He was born April 7, 1926, at Doe Hill, a son of Maude Simmons.

On March 17, 1947, he married Ella Louise Abel.

Mr. Simmons served in the U.S. Army during World War II. He operated Kline’s Grocery at West Augusta from 1958 to 1964 and Simmons Grocery at Jake’s Flat near Staunton from 1967 to 1981. He was also a livestock farmer.

He was preceded in death by an infant daughter; three sisters, Nora Lee Gum, Marjorie Miller and an infant; four brothers, Arlie, Woodrow, Elmer and Charles Simmons.

He is survived by his wife Ella A. Simmons of McDowell; three sons, Van E. Simmons Jr. and wife, Juanita, of West Augusta, John D. Simmons of Smyrna, Tenn. and Chris Simmons of McDowell; two grandchildren, Keith Simmons and his wife, Erin of Covington and Vicki Freilich and her husband, James, of Augusta, Ga.; a great-grandson, Adam Simmons of Covington; a sister, Mildred L. Rigney of Spagesville; two brothers, Herbert L. Simmons of Amelia County and Roy S. Simmons of Prince William County; and a number of nieces and nephews.

A graveside service will be conducted at 2 p.m. Friday, January 25 at the West Augusta Cemetery by the Rev. Garold Senger.

There will be no public viewing or visitation at the funeral home.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Highland County Rescue Squad, P.O. Box 268, Monterey, Va. 24465.

Obaugh Funeral Home is handling the arrangements.