Erwin G. Simmons

Erwin Garrold "Pete" Simmons, 83, of New London, died Thursday, Oct. 11, at his home.

Visitation began at noon today at Elliott Chapel in New London, where the family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. A funeral service will be held at Elliott Chapel Saturday, Oct, 13, at 11 a.m. Burial will take place at Burge Cemetery in New London.

Memorials have been established to the New London Rescue Unit and Mediapolis First Baptist Church.

Erwin G. Simmons was born May 25, 1924, in Henry County, the son of Elmer and Hazel Remick Simmons. On Sept. 30, 1940, he married Mabel E. Scherer in Burlington; following her death, he married Lucille Cramblit in 2003 in Kahoka, Mo. He was a veteran of World War II, earning the rank of sergeant in the U.S. Army.

A lifelong farmer, he attended First Baptist Church of Mediapolis, 4-H leader and member of the Cattleman's Association. In 2003, he was Henry County's Cattleman of the Year. He enjoyed farming and his livestock, particularly cattle.

He is survived by his wife Lucille, sons David L. Simmons and his wife Jane of New London and William G. Simmons of Mt. Pleasant; sister Betty Ball of Mt. Pleasant; five grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

His parents and brother Bill have also preceded him in death.