Obituary of Franklin D. Simmons
Franklin D. Simmons, of Joliet, passed away on September 4, 2017 at the University of Chicago Medical Center at the age of 84.
Born on December 14, 1932 at his parents' home in Cisne, IL, Frank graduated from Cisne High School. He attended Eastern Illinois University, where he received the college's first bachelor's degree in business. He was drafted into the U.S. Army shortly thereafter and served in Bordeaux France.
Frank initially was a sales manager for Standard Oil Company before becoming vice president/general manager of Bell Realty and president of Hallmark Construction. He was president of Three Rivers Association of Realtors and District Vice President of the Illinois Association of Realtors. Frank was named Realtor of the Year in 1983.
An active member of the community, Frank was president of the Joliet Rotary Club, a member of St. John's Lodge #13, A.F. & A.M. of Peru, Illinois, and served as Elder of the First Presbyterian Church.
Among Frank's passions were building, fishing, collecting clocks, and starting his mornings at Starbucks. He enjoyed spending time with family, sharing meals and laughter against the backdrop of symphony music.
Frank is survived by his wife and best friend of 56 years, Lynn (née Bell) and his children, Dr. Scott (Joney) Simmons and Stacey (Patrick) McGrath, and grandchildren, Margaret (Justin) Anderson, John and Patrick McGrath, and Vanessa Simmons. He is also survived by his sisters-in-law, Patricia Bell and Justice Rita B. Garman.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Ira "Babe" and Irma Wanda (née Clay) Simmons; siblings, Charles Britton and Elizabeth June; and brothers-in- law, Sheldon Bell and Gill Garman.
Memorials in his name may be made to First Presbyterian Church of Joliet, or a charity of the donor’s choice.
Memorial services for Franklin D. Simmons will be held Saturday, September 16, 2017 at 11:30 a.m. at First Presbyterian Church, 805 Western Avenue, Joliet, where visitation will be held from 9:30 a.m. until the time of services. Inurnment in Woodlawn Memorial Park will be private. Fred C. Dames Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. For more information, please call (815) 741-5500 or visit his Memorial Tribute at www.fredcdames.com
