Merle Lee Simmons, 83, of Middleville, died Thursday, April 13.
Born Dec. 25, 1939, in Burnips, he was the son of the late Marshal Theodore and Julia (Selby) Simmons and was the husband of Patricia Ann (Moeller) Simmons.
Merle was a veteran of the United States Army, having served in Korea during the Vietnam War. He was a member of the American Legion Post 127 in Dorr for 34 years. Merle was also a member of the National Trappers Association, Michigan Trappers and Predator Callers Association, National Rifle Association and the Fennville Rod and Gun Club.
He retired from Tiara Yachts in 2001 where he had worked as an engineer and had also been a firefighter with the Salem Township Fire Department. In his spare time, Merle enjoyed volunteering with the United Way Fresh Food Initiative.
Besides his wife of 51 years, Patricia, he is survived by his children, Duane (Jackie) Schraeder, Teresa (Carl) Lins and Merle (Dawn) Simmons, II; sister, Marylyn (Jim) VanderWeg; grandchildren, Steve (Kassie) Hall, Bradley (Olivia) Hall, Austin Schraeder, Merle Simmons, III, Maison Simmons, Macain Simmons, Morgan (Noah) Smith, Maguire Simmons and Millie Simmons; great-grandchildren, Graycen Hall, Emersyn Hall and Taten Smith; and many nieces and nephews.
Along with his parents, Merle was preceded in death by his sister and brother-in-law, Joyce and Al Coffey; and his niece, Phyllis VanderWeg.
The family will receive friends at Gorden Funeral Residence, Hopkins Chapel, from noon to 2 p.m. Wednesday, April 19. A funeral will begin at 2 p.m. and burial will follow in Salem Township Cemetery.
