Thomas Simmons, 53, of Sumner passed away Monday May 18, 2020 due to injuries sustained in an automobile accident.  Visitation will be from Noon-1:00 PM on Saturday August 1, 2020 with memorial services beginning at 1:00 PM, at the American Legion in Fairbank.  A celebration of Tom’s life will follow.  Tom gave as generously in death, as he did in life by donating through the Iowa Donor Network.

Thomas “Tom” Simmons was born in Glen Dale, WV on February 24, 1967to parents Kenneth and Elizabeth (Palmer) Simmons.  He grew up getting into all sorts of trouble in Moundsville, WV with his 4 brothers until he graduated high school from John Marshall High School with the class of 1986.  

After graduation, he moved on to enlist in the United States Navy where he spent the next 7 years serving his country as an Aviation mechanic.  In September of 1986, Tom met his wife of 33 years, Elizabeth (Liz) Burke whom he married January 17, 1987.  After being honorably discharged from the Military in 1993 he moved his family to West Virginia and then to Illinois in 1995 where they raised their 2 children until August of 2017 when they moved to Iowa. 

At the time of his death, Tom was a grain hauler, driving truck for a local trucking company.  Always smiling, always laughing, and always cracking wise comments to make those around him laugh, Tom did everything he could to liven up a room.  He was the first to give you the shirt off his back and did everything he could to help anyone that needed it.  He was a member of the American Legion in Fairbank, the Trail Blazers Snowmobile Club and Pheasants Forever.

Left to celebrate Tom’s life are his wife Liz; his children: Tommy (Erin) Simmons of Wood Dale, IL and Samantha (Dustin) Taylor of Sumner; his grandchildren: Hunter, Cameron, Amara Rose, DJ and Rhett William on the way; his brothers: Paul (Lea) Simmons, Roger (Lynn) Simmons and David Simmons; and many nieces and nephews.  He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother Ricky Simmons.