Francis M. Simmons

Francis Marion Simmons passed peacefully on August 14, 2017 in Orem, Utah.  Francis was born on May 31, 1918 in Oakley , Cassia, Idaho to John James and Bertha Sessions Simmons.  He was the fifth of eight children. He attended school and graduated from the Oakley L.D. S. Academy in 1938.  He attended a 16 month program in Weiser, Idaho training in commercial contracting, cabinetmaking, millwork, and music. 

Prior to being drafted into World War II he worked at Hill Air Force Base. He served in the Army Corp of Engineers in the European Theater in World War II.  He played the E flat Alto Horn in a Ghost Band that became 423 Army Service Forces Band.

Francis married Kathryn Burton on November 1, 1945 and they lived in Ogden, Utah where he worked as a jeweler and watch repairman. In 1947 he moved back to Oakley to farm.  Farming was in his blood and he loved to be in Oakley walking the land, watching over the crops, and stock. He knew and loved the mountains and the history of the area. Francis owned his own jewelery store in Burley for many years.  He was active in the L.D.S. Church. In 1983-1984 Francis and Kathryn served a full time L.D.S. Mission in Tennessee. Francis received training and worked as an operator in the Burley Deseret Industries Cannery for 10 years.

Kathryn preceded him in death in 1992. In 2000, he married Burnetia Barr White and resided in Olympia, Washington for ten years. Burnitia died in 2011.  Francis then divided his time between Oakley and the Wasatch Front in Utah.

Francis loved music. He sang, played the banjo ukulele, and piano. He enjoyed entertaining and talking with people his entire life.

Francis leaves behind six children: Reta Simmons of Lehi, Utah, Carol (Carl) Wengel of South Jordan, Utah, Muriel (Ken) Robinson and Jean (Mike) Jensen of Orem, Utah, Lynn Simmons of Oakley, Idaho, and Alan (kris) Simmons of Las Vegas, Nevada.  At the time of this death, he is survived by twenty grandchildren, and forty-six great grandchildren.

Funeral services will held at 10:00 a.m. Friday, August 18, 2017 at the Oakley Stake Center, 355 North Center Street, in Oakley, Idaho, interment will follow in the Oakley City Cemetery with Military Rites provided by the Mini-Cassia Veterans Auxiliaries. A viewing for friends and family will be from 9:00 a.m. to 9:45 a.m. Friday at the church prior to the Funeral.  Arrangements are under the direction of Morrison Payne Funeral Home, 321 East Main Street in Burley.  Condolences by be shared at morrisonpayne.com

Funeral: Friday Aug 18 2017

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