John W. Simmerly

John William Simmerly, 90, of Sullivan, MO, passed away Friday, June 16, 2017 at Meramec Nursing Center in Sullivan, surrounded by his family.

John William was born on October 11, 1926 to Virgil Vest and Mary Frances (Clayton) Simmerly in Hinch, MO. After completing his education, John served his country in the United States Army. On October 27, 1956 John was united in marriage to Bessie Kathryn Malone in Bourbon, MO. Last year, they celebrated 60 years together. John was employed by Crawford Electric as a Journeyman Lineman and in the service department for 35 years. He enjoyed hunting and had taken several Pheasant hunting trips to Nebraska. He was a member of the American Legion Post # 81 in Bourbon and a member of New Testament Baptist Church in Sullivan.

John is survived by his wife, Bessie (Malone) Simmerly of Sullivan; one sister- in- law, Azlee Erickson of LaBelle, MO; nephew, Richard Dare of Lake Ozark, MO; niece, LaVerne Dare of LaBelle; great-nephew, Randy Dare; cousins, Junior and Evelyn Simmerly of Bourbon; Earl Simmerly (Barbara Cortouise) of Bourbon; Mike (Linda) Simmerly of Cuba, MO; other relatives and many friends.

John was preceded in death by his parents, Virgil V. and Mary F. (Clayton) Simmerly; two sisters, Lizzie Simmerly and Bettie Hardy; two half- sisters, Edna Stumpf and Mildred Prince.

Funeral services were conducted 11 a.m., Tuesday, June 20, 2017 at the Eaton Funeral Home in Sullivan with Pastor Charlie Idleman officiating. Interment will follow in Bourbon Cemetery with full military honors.

Visitation was held from 9-11 a.m., Tuesday, at the Eaton Funeral Home in Sullivan.

Friends may send condolences to the Simmerly family at www.eatonfuneralhome.com

All arrangements were under the care of the Eaton Funeral Home Sullivan and Bourbon, MO.