Eldon Jay Simmons

Eldon Jay Simmons passed away on Monday, March 14, 2022, in Independence, Missouri. Eldon was 97 years old.

The son of Benjamin F. Simmons and Hatti Shephard, Eldon was born in Carl Junction, Missouri on September 26, 1924 the second youngest of 10 brothers & sisters.

After graduating from Nevada High School in 1942, Eldon continued his education at Graceland College in Lamoni Iowa where he was a good student and played Football for the Yellowjackets. With the United States at War Eldon left Graceland to join the United States Navy in 1943. After completing his training, he was stationed at the Submarine Base at Pearl Harbor where he served as a mechanic. Eldon received an Honorable Discharge on May 4th, 1946. Once again, a civilian, Eldon continued his formal education at the University of Missouri at Rolla where he earned a BS from the School of Engineering.

On June 7 of 1948 Eldon married his college sweetheart Shirley O Green "Lee" in Detroit Michigan. Lee and Eldon had 5 children (Jeff, Kerry, Richard, Russ and Laurel) 11 grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren. At the time of his passing Eldon and Lee have been married over 73 years.

Eldon accepted a position as a draftsman at the Ford Motor Company while completing his engineering degree. In 1975 Eldon retired from Ford after a 32-year career.

Eldon was an Elder in the Community of Christ Church (RLDS). A dedicated Christian, Eldon provided a lifetime of service and leadership to church and congregations. Eldon loved music and had a beautiful singing voice. He shared his voice in local choirs including the RLDS Handel's Messiah and as a soloist in worship, weddings and funerals.

In Retirement Eldon and Lee loved to travel and had homes in Independence Missouri, Samish Island Washington and Tucson Arizona.

Eldon loved and was deeply loved by friends and family. His happy, easy-going style, big smile and friendliness will be missed.