Richard C. Simmons

Lincoln – Richard “Dick” C. Simmons, 90, of Lincoln, passed away at Springfield Memorial Hospital on Thursday, April 18, 2024.

Funeral Services for Dick will be held on Tuesday, April 23, 2024, at 10:00 a.m. at Holy Family Catholic Church in Lincoln. Rev. Joseph Dondanville will officiate. Burial will follow at New Union Cemetery in Lincoln.

Visitation will be held on Monday, April 22, 2024, at Holy Family Church from 4:00 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.

Richard C. Simmons was born November 14, 1933, in Lew Beach, New York. His parents were Robert C. and Naomi Becker Simmons. Dick served in the Air Force during the Korean War and met his future wife in Rantoul, Illinois. He married Gloria Ann McGregor on December 24, 1954. Dick and Gloria had four children. Gloria preceded him in death on August 3, 2000. On February 23, 2001, he married Helen Mileham Meagher.

For over 40 years Dick was a self-employed carpenter and a skilled craftsman who took great pride in his work. He continued working into his 80s. Growing up in the Catskill Mountains of New York, he developed a love for the great outdoors and the beauty of nature. Dick was an avid hunter and fisherman. He loved to share his love for fishing with his grandchildren and other kids throughout his life. Dick took great pleasure in his gardens and enjoyed raising several types of barnyard fowl. He also loved cats and always had many cats to entertain him. Dick was a great storyteller and loved entertaining everyone with his stories. He was a man of great faith and gave thanks to God every day for the blessings he enjoyed with the greatest of those being his family and many friends.

He is survived by his wife, Helen; brother Bill Pierpoint; sons Timothy (Danni) of Gainesville, Texas, and Sean (Natalie) of Plano, Texas; daughter Kimberly (Kent) Hart of Tullahoma, Tennessee; stepson Kevin (Pamela) Meagher; grandchildren: Jonathan (Brandy), Andrea, Jeremy, Allison, and Daniel Simmons, Collin and Tristan Piller, Alex and Linley Hart, and Drew and Jake Simmons; step-grandchildren: Connor and Allyson Meagher, Jonathan (Alexis) Beverman, Kiersten, Braden and Wesley Meagher, and Mikaela (Zach) Barker; four great-grandchildren and three step-great-grandchildren. He is also survived by brothers-in-law Daniel, Allan, and John Mileham; his best friend, Alex Hoblit; and countless nieces, nephews, and friends.

Dick was also preceded in death by his brother Gail, and sisters Melissa, Naomi, and Linda, who all lived in New York State; his daughter Sabrina Piller, and stepson Kent Meagher.

Memorials may be made to Humane Society of Logan County, Holy Family Food Pantry, or the donor’s chosen charity.

Final arrangements are entrusted with Peasley Funeral Home of Lincoln.