Merrill Damron Simmons, 67, of Wellston, passed away Tuesday, September 25, 2012 at his residence. He was born November 8, 1944 in Gallipolis, son of the late Merrill McClure and Merry Dawn Damron Simmons.
Merrill was a retired Correctional Officer for the State of Ohio. He graduated from Hamden High School in 1962 and attended Ohio University in Athens. Merrill was a life member of the F.O.E. #2279 in McArthur, a member of the National Rifle Association and was a member of the Hamden United Methodist Church.
He is survived by his brothers, Lawrence Michael (Shirley) Simmons, John D. (Mary Ann) Simmons and Jeffrey L. (Bobbi) Simmons all of McArthur; nieces, Elizabeth Dawn (Adrian) Lawhead, Emily (Greg) Tapocsi and Abby L. Simmons; nephews, David J. Simmons and Jay Simmons; step nieces, Tammy Zimmerman and Paula (Tim) Doss; great-niece, Malina Lawhead and a great-nephew, A.J. Lawhead.
In addition to his parents, Merrill was preceded in death by his brother, Randall M. Simmons.
Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m., Saturday, September 29, 2012 in the Garrett-Cardaras Funeral Home, 201 W. High St., McArthur, with Rev. Dr. Walt Goble officiating. Interment will be in Limerick Cemetery, Jackson County. Friends may call at the funeral home on Friday, from 4 to 8 p.m.
The family suggests memorial contributions be made in memory of Merrill Damron Simmons to Limerick Grange #1917, c/o Sandra Wood, Treasurer, 366 Perkins Rd., Chillicothe, Ohio 45601.
Please sign his online guestbook at www.cardaras.com.