Grant Simmons

Grant Simmons, 76, of St. Ignace, a retired Master Sergeant, U.S. Air Force, died Friday, September 14, 2007, at Mackinac Straits Hospital Long Term Care in St. Ignace.

Mr. Simmons was born in St. Ignace June 3, 1931 to Grant and Stella (nee Spaulding) Simmons.

He was graduated from LaSalle High School in 1950, and served in the U.S. Air Force from 1950 to 1971, with service in Kincheloe, Thailand, Puerto Rico, Paris, France, Vanderburg, California, and he retired in Alabama. He was a Vietnam Veteran, and a life member of the St. Ignace VFW.

He married Jane Horn in St. Ignace February 12, 1955.

Mr. Simmons worked at the Correctional Facility in Kinross, and retired in 1993.

Mr. Simmons loved his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Hunting was his passion, friends said, at his cabin, "Nine Oaks," named after the nine members of the family. He attended many St. Ignace football and basketball games. Mr. and Mrs. Simmons spent several winters in Gulf Shores, Alabama.

Mr. Simmons is survived by his wife, six children and their families, Janet Gamble, Rebecca and Mario Calcaterra III, Grant Jr. and Kelly Simmons, all of St. Ignace, Allison Simmons of Kincheloe, Tyling and Matt Mokanyk of Traverse City, Charlie and Bonnie Gamble of Ashville, North Carolina; 18 grandchildren and their families, and eight great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, and a daughter, Kimberlain "Dee Dee" Simmons.

Services were held Monday, September 17, at Dodson Funeral Home with Fr. Jim Williams officiating. Burial will be on Mackinac Island with military honors.

Pallbearers were Grant Simmons Jr., Charlie Gamble, Matt Mokanyk, Mario Calcaterra III, Larry Belonga, and Dick Czapek.