Vonley S. Simmering, age 89, of Oak Hill, Ohio, passed away Tuesday, March 21, 2017 following complications from heart and kidney illness. He was born Dec. 10, 1927 in South Webster, Ohio to the late Frank and Effie (Hollback) Simmering.
He was preceded in death by his wife of 58 years, Elizabeth Lucille (Cooper) Simmering and one son, Marlin Vaughn. He is survived by daughters, Karen (Wayne) Phelps of Delaware, Ohio and Debra (James) Walker of Thurman, Ohio; daughter-in-law, Laura (White) Simmering and David Williams of North Carolina; sons, Larry and Debbie (Miller) Simmering of Mansfield, Ohio and Randy and Christine (Hammer) Simmering of South Webster, Ohio. He also leaves behind 11 grandchildren and 24 great-grandchildren. In addition, he leaves many kind friends and close neighbors, including Artie and Lucilla Cooper, John Coon, and Lonnie and Judy Slack. He has one surviving sister, Grace Hanes of Lewisburg, Ohio. Preceding him in death were his brother, Jim Simmering and his sister, Wilma Dalton.
Vonley was a 1946 graduate of South Webster High School. He retired from Detroit Steel Corporation in 1980 where he had worked as a crane operator, brick layer, and electrician for 27 years. He also worked for the State Department of Forestry as a fire tower watchman and smoke chaser while he managed a tobacco, hay and cattle farm.
Vonley enjoyed family traditions including annual Cedar Point Day, 4th of July homemade ice cream, and apple butter stirring time. He loved Thanksgiving, Easter and Christmas dinners. Being with family and listening to the boys play bluegrass music were among his favorite times as well. He and his wife, Lucille had been part of a camping club for many years and loved traveling the countryside with several other local families.
A time of visitation with the family will be held on Friday, March 24, 2017 from 4 to 8 p.m. at the Lewis & Gillum Funeral Home of Oak Hill. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, March 25, 2017 at 11 a.m. at the funeral home with Rev. Fred Crabtree officiating. Burial will follow at C.M. Cemetery in Oak Hill, Ohio. Online condolences may be sent to www.lewisgillumfuneralhomes.com