Obituary of Emil Simmons

Simmons, Emil, Jr. Emil passed peacefully from this life the morning of April 24, 2013, after a gradual decline in health. He was surrounded and supported by his loving family and caregivers during the last days of his life. Emil was born in Chicago, IL to Emil Sr. and Dolores Simmons on September 19, 1953, but had resided in Joliet, IL since 1976. Emil enlisted in the U.S. Marines Corp in 1972. He dedicated 18 years of his life to Stateville Penitentiary where he was employed as a correctional officer until 1994. He continued to work in security until 2008. Emil relocated to Kenosha, WI in 2012 where he lived the remainder of his life. Emil enjoyed life. He loved to laugh and make others laugh by telling jokes. Drinking beer and watching movies and videos are just a few of his many hobbies. He truly adored his wife Erica who kept him young at heart. He was loved by many and will be dearly missed by all. Emil is survived by his wife, Erica; two brothers, Glen and Marlon (Towanda) Simmons; seven sisters, Lyneice Simmons, Dolores Childs, Cecelia (William) McMath, Irene Smith, Cynthia (Beydon) Bailey, Brigid (Jonathan) English and Regina Simmons; four children, Emil (Sonja) Simmons, Dimitrios (Nneka) Simmons, Takiyah Isham and Bridgett (Erick) Thomas; he also leaves behind twelve grandchildren and a host of relatives and friends. Emil was preceded in death by his father Emil Sr.; mother, Dolores; and his brothers, Gregory, Thornell, and Ronald Simmons. Funeral Services for Emil Simmons, Jr. will be held on Monday, April 29, 2013 at 9:15 a.m. from the Fred C. Dames Funeral Home, 3200 Black at Essington Rds., Joliet to St. Mary Nativity Catholic Church for Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 a.m. Interment Saint Mary Catholic Cemetery in Evergreen Park, IL. Visitation Sunday 2-6 p.m. at the funeral home. For information: 815-741-5500 or www.fredcdames.com