Lester Simmons

After a courageous battle with emphysema more than 45 years and most recently cancer, Lester Raymond Simmons, 78, of Scott City passed away peacefully, Monday, May 3, 2004, from this earth at his home.

He was born April 10, 1926, son of Otis and Reatha Davis Simmons. He and Dortha Rogers were married Nov. 19, 1949. He and Delories Spriggs Cochran were married April 7, 1961, and would have celebrated their 43rd wedding anniversary.

In Simmons' early life he was a cotton picker, laborer at International Shoe Co., carpenter, deck hand on the Mississippi River, and laborer on the Georgia Pipeline.

After spending many months in the state sanatorium for emphysema, he became disabled and retired in 1963. He then honorably accepted the role that would become his proudest accomplishment, successfully raising his children as a stay-at-home dad.

Survivors include five sons, Steve Simmons of Advance, Mo., William and Bruce Cochran of Scott City, Rodney Simmons of Cape Girardeau, Trace Simmons of Dallas, Texas; a daughter, Brenda Cochran of Dallas; a brother, Bill Smith of Cobden, Ill.; a sister, Betty King of Cobden, Ill.; 14 grandchildren; and nine great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents; beloved wife; two daughters, Doris Jean Simmons and Donna Sue Robinson; and a son, Tommie R. Cochran Sr.

Friends may call at Amick-Burnett Funeral Chapel in Scott City from 4 to 8 p.m. today.

A celebration of his life will be held at 11 a.m. Friday at the chapel, with the Rev. Rennie Phillips officiating. Burial will be in Lightner Memorial Cemetery.