Herschel D. Simmons

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Visitation Schedule
Roller Coffman Funeral Home
923 Hwy 65 N
Marshall, AR  72650
Thursday, May 17, 2018
6:00--8:00 PM
Service Schedule
Leslie United Methodist Church
Hwy 66 E
Leslie, AR  72645
Friday, May 18, 2018
10:00 AM
Cemetery
Sulphur Springs Cemetery
266 Sulfur Spring Drive
Leslie, AR  72645
Memorial Contributions
Searcy County Veterans Memorial Association
108 Noah Horton Memorial Drive
Marshall, AR  72650


Arkansas Childrens Hospital
1 Childrens Way Slot 661
Little Rock, AR  72202
I served in the Army.
Herschel D. SimmonsI am a Veteran.

of Leslie, AR

December 31, 1918 - May 14, 2018

Herschel D. Simmons, age 99, was born on New Year's Eve 1918 in Arlberg (Stone County), Arkansas and died May 14th, 2018 at his home in Leslie, Arkansas. As the youngest child of Dora and Isaac Simmons, he grew up on Angora Mountain and attended school at Angora, Flag and Leslie.

Herschel was a World War II veteran who served his country as an Army Combat Medic in the Pacific Theatre. He received numerous commendations and awards, including two Bronze Stars. After being honorably discharged in 1945 and returning to Leslie, he met Maxine Ashley and they married in 1948. They had been married over 60 years at the time of her death in 2008. Raising cattle and horses on their farm was something Herschel greatly enjoyed, and he would rather cut and bale hay than go on vacation! For several years, Herschel did custom bulldozer work and distributed lime and fertilizer to area farmers. He also owned and operated sawmills in Arkansas, New Mexico, and Colorado. Herschel was a Deputy U.S. Marshal in 1957 during the integration of Little Rock's Central High School. He began riding horses as a young child, so it was not surprising that he would be among the group of ''Ozark Trail Riders'' who rode horseback from Searcy County to Little Rock in the early 1950's, to ride in the Arkansas State Fair Parade. In good fun, Herschel was a member of the Tennessee Squire Association and an ''owner'' of a plot of land at The Hollow at the Jack Daniel's Distillery in Lynchburg and an honorary citizen of Moore County, Tennessee. As a Squire, devotees are united in fellowship and invited to ''sip'' with their discriminating fellow Squires, while remembering their motto, ''May we always ride an easy walking horse, sleep `neath a rain tight roof, and eat high on the hog every day of the year.'' Herschel was a member of the Leslie United Methodist Church and had served on the Leslie School Board and Searcy County Democratic Committee for several years. Until his health limited his activities, he had been an active member of the community and was always ready to lend a helping hand.

Herschel was preceded in death by an infant son, Benny Wayne Simmons; parents, Dora and Isaac Simmons; brothers, Leonard Simmons, Charlie Simmons, Roy Simmons and Grover Simmons; sisters, Elsie Simmons, Edith Long and Dessie New; and wife, Maxine Simmons.
Herschel is survived by his daughter, Rebecca Wilson and husband, Homer; sons, Steve Simmons and wife, Gay, and Mark Simmons and wife, Cathy; grandchildren, Ashley King and husband, Charles, Makenzie Simmons and Reece Simmons; great grandson, Colby King; sister-in-law, Louise (Ashley) Swafford; and extended family of nieces, nephews and cousins.

Funeral services for Herschel will be 10:00 AM Friday, May 18th, 2018 at Leslie United Methodist Church in Leslie, Arkansas with Bro. Mike Proctor officiating. Visitation will be 6:00 till 8:00 PM Thursday, May 17th, 2018 at Roller-Coffman Funeral Home in Marshall, Arkansas. Burial will be in Sulphur Springs Cemetery near Leslie. Pallbearers will be Charles King, Dustin Adams, Glenn Watts, Danny Simmons, Stan Hayes and William Tester. Honorary pallbearers will be Reece Simmons, Colby King, Velorn Simmons, Tommy Gene Simmons, Rex Simmons, Danny Huie, Larry Shannon, Cliff Boyd, and surviving sawmill crew. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials be made to the Searcy County Veterans Memorial Association, 108 Noah Horton Drive, Marshall, Arkansas 72650 or Arkansas Children's Hospital, 1 Children's Way, Little Rock, Arkansas 72202.

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17 Condolence(s)
DW
Cordova, TN
Liked
Sunday, May 20, 2018

So sorry for your loss. May you find comfort in the words spoken at Revelation 21:3,4 “With that I heard a loud voice from the throne say: “Look! The tent of God is with mankind, and he will reside with them, and they will be his people. And God himself will be with them.
And he will wipe out every tear from their eyes, and death will be no more, neither will mourning nor outcry nor pain be anymore. The former things have passed away".

Chuck and Sharon Leonard
Saint Joseph, MO
Liked
Saturday, May 19, 2018

Becky ( my soul sister )
Though we never got to meet you Dad, over the years we felt like we knew him through you and Homer's eyes and the stories you shared. He was a witty, intelligent, amazing man and we pray that over time your memories will become some of your favorite treasures that will bring you joy and comfort. Please give our condolences to the rest of your family. Through you guys we, we feel we know them to!

Love and Hugs,

Chuck and Sharon

Terry Sutterfield MD
Fayetteville, AR
Liked
Friday, May 18, 2018

Becky, Steve, Mark and families,
I just heard that Herschel had passed away and read his obituary and wanted to express my condolences to all of you and your families. Herschel was truly a great gentleman and had a life well lived. I have fond memories of all the years I was privileged to serve as Herschel's and Maxine’s physician. This time of year makes Kathy and me remember how good his home grown Brandywine tomatoes were! Both of your parents were special people and always made me feel like a part of the family. It was a great experience to be able to know all of you. My thoughts and prayers are with you all. Terry and Kathy Sutterfield

Rexanne Grove
Fort Worth, TX
Liked
Thursday, May 17, 2018

I have so much enjoyed the time I spent visiting with Herschel and his daughter Becky over the last few years. I learned a lot about the history of our family, but most importantly I met a fine gentlemen and his lovely daughter. I will always cherish these memories. My condolences to all the family. I will be thinking of you. Rexanne

Daphna Keys
Jasper, AR
Liked
Thursday, May 17, 2018

Becky or Bec as H would call you. Sorry about your Dad but you know he is better off. Mark and Steve your Dad was a great man. Remembering how Becky, Jan and I got to the movies on the weekend. One set of parents would take us and the other parents would come get us. Jimmy and I have you in our thoughts and prayers.

Love

Jimmy and Daphna

Ed and Joyce Tudor
Marshall, AR
Liked
Thursday, May 17, 2018

Our condolences to all the family.

Gary & Rose Craig
Leslie, AR
Liked
Wednesday, May 16, 2018

Our thoughts and prayers are with all the family at this time. Such a wonderful life Herschel has lived. We are sure he has filled many of his life's dreams. It has been an honor knowing him and all the family in the short time we have lived here in Leslie. Such a fine gentleman.

Katherine Morgason
Tacoma, WA
Liked
Wednesday, May 16, 2018

Such fond memories of spending summer vacations in Arkansas and staying with Aunt Max and Uncle H. Heartfelt condolences to cousins Becky, Steve and Mark.

Louise Swafford
Tacoma, WA
Liked
Wednesday, May 16, 2018

H was always so kind, generous and welcoming; I will miss my wonderful brother-in-law.

Yvonne Burns
Little Rock, AR
Liked
Wednesday, May 16, 2018

Becky, Steve, and Mark - I am so sorry to hear about Herschel. He always had a smile when he would greet me and even acted like he was glad to see me! I know you will always enjoy the many memories that you have accumulated over the years. My prayers and thoughts are with you during this time. I will miss not seeing him from time to time during my trips back home.

Yvonne Russell Burns

Ms Williams
, IL
Liked
Wednesday, May 16, 2018

My deepest condolences, may you find comfort in our savior words, John 5:28, 29

James and Vickie Fountain
Marshall, AR
Liked
Tuesday, May 15, 2018

We wish to express our condolences to Herschel's family. It was an honor to have know Herschel, and a joy to visit with him.
His service in WWII speaks of his devotion to duty and service to his country. As the ranks of his generation thin we are reminded of how soon their lives have passed. The void they leave can never be filled.

Our prayer is that God will bless and comfort your family.

James and Vickie Fountain

Paige Smith
Greenbrier, AR
Liked
Tuesday, May 15, 2018

My prayers are with you all!

Darryl Treat
Marshall, AR
Liked
Tuesday, May 15, 2018

Leslie has lost a World War II hero. Mr. Simmons served his country, state, and community. May the family be comforted during this time of loss.

Delena Morrison
Little Rock, AR
Liked
Tuesday, May 15, 2018

My Dad, Ulis Morrison, considered Herschel his best friend for years. They served on the school board together for many years. . I know you all will miss him greatly. Becky, you are a wonderful daughter for taking care of your Dad for so long.

Barbara Smith
Marshall, AR
Liked
Tuesday, May 15, 2018

Steve, Mark and all family members, I am so sorry for your loss. He was a really sweet man. I don't think he ever met a stranger. He will be missed by all who knew him. You are all in my thoughts and prayers. May you find comfort in each other and in the Lord. God Bless you all.

Chuck Shoemake
Greenwood, IN
Liked
Tuesday, May 15, 2018

Herschel and Maxine took Sue and me under their wings when we first moved to Leslie in 1982 and we became good friends. We will never forget their many kindnesses through the years and it was indeed a pleasure to know them. From strawberry picking and harvesting potatoes to collecting black walnuts and hauling hay, they taught us the way of the mountains. Herschel, you will be missed!
Chuck and Sue