Richard "Rich" W. Simmons, Jr.

With quiet faith, Rich Simmons served his community and church family with a caring heart. All would agree that with his ready smile and great sense of humor, it was a joy to share his company. Rich was a hard working man who loved working with his hands. Mechanically inclined from his earliest years, he used his talent well. Deeply missed, the heart of Rich lives on in those who knew and loved him.

January 15, 1956 was an exciting day for Richard and Arlene (Stermer) Simmons, they welcomed the birth of their first child, Richard "Rich" W. Simmons, Jr. into their arms. The oldest of seven children in the family’s bustling household; Rich was later joined by his younger siblings, Phyllis, Diane, Lori, Andy, Ann, and Joe. For 35 years his father worked for the Kalamazoo County Road Commission all while running their 60 acre family farm. His mother was a busy homemaker, and from a young age Rich learned firsthand the importance of hard work. Pitching in with farm chores, he valued living on the centennial family farm.

During his youth, Rich was involved and active in 4-H. Every August, the entire family would spend their family vacation immersed in the Kalamazoo County Fair where Rich’s 4-H involvement included showing pigs and other projects like tractor safety. He was a friend to many, and soon realized his interest in all things mechanical. In school he spent a good amount of his time in shop class where he learned much. He went on to graduate from Comstock High School with the Class of 1974. Although Rich wasn't much for traveling, he did experience several memorable trips. He went whitewater rafting on the Colorado River, hit the ski slopes in Colorado, and was awed with his visit to Epcot. Another adventure was going to MIS for several races with Bob Thompson to help score the NASCAR races. One memorable trip was when Rich and Luke went to the Upper Pennsulea on the annual Fleck fishing trip. One of his more recent favorite trips was going to Waterloo, Iowa to experience the Gold Key Tour of the John Deere Tractor Factory with Luke, his dad and brother Joe.

While enjoying the party at his sister Lori's wedding, Rich met a young woman named Andrea Mosley. They began dating, and were joined in marriage on October 26, 1991. For several years Rich and Andrea hosted a Halloween party. Rich would go all out decorating the garage using his smoke machine and eerie details. The party grew to eventually include over 40 family and friends, the kids were always excited to go trick or treating. Although their marriage eventually ended in divorce after 20 years, Rich was forever grateful for the son they shared from their union, Luke. Rich and Andrea were able to continue their relationship as friends and talked frequently.

Being a father was Rich’s greatest accomplishment. He spent his time creating memories and carrying on family traditions with his son. He encouraged Luke’s 4-H involvement and every August, Rich would take vacation time to spend the week at the Kalamazoo County Fair. Luke played baseball, and Rich coached, encouraged and cheered his son constantly. It goes without saying, Rich was a proud dad. He always continued to guide Luke in various life experiences. On a daily basis Rich told Luke that he loved him and was proud of him.

Rich worked as a truck driver for Greenmark Equipment, formerly known as Fillmore Equipment, in Three Rivers. Previously, he spent 19 years at Consumers Concrete. He loved teaching his son all he knew about cars and heavy equipment. Quite talented, Rich had the ability to work with his hands and repair anything he set his mind to. He was also always willing to help a friend or family member in need of mechanical and auto advice.

With his enjoyment of farm life, Rich liked and appreciated the customers he served around Southwest Michigan. Rich loved the Schoolcraft prairie and referred to it as “God's Country”. In fact, one of Rich's favorite pastimes was taking a drive to see all the corn fields and tractors that adorned the rural areas. Being a Simmons meant he always took a different route to and from destinations. He loved John Deere tractors and had an extensive collection of toy tractors. Rich spent many winters on a snowmobile, proud to be sporting his bright orange helmet. He also played softball during the summer where he was always found in left field with his team from Story’s Grocery. When it came to music, Rich loved rock 'n roll, especially Led Zeppelin and rock station, 107.7. In his free time, he liked watching the Detroit Tigers and NASCAR, particularly Jeff Gordon. The last few 4th of July's he enjoyed viewing Colin's, Luke's, and Eric's firework show. Rich looked forward to summer visits with his nieces and nephews from Ohio, especially the annul beach day in South Haven with ice cream at Sherman's after sunset. And maybe it was from being raised on the farm, but Rich loved drinking milk like many drink soda pop!

For many years, Rich faithfully attended Threads Church in Portage. He appreciated the laid back atmosphere, and the messages that spoke to his heart. Within this community of believers, Rich found in them a church family. Faith to Rich was pretty much black and white. A no-nonsense type of guy, this was especially true when it came to his beliefs and convictions. With an ever present smile, Rich served on the First Impressions Team at church where he greeted all with his warm smile and welcoming ways.

It was easy to see why so many people called Rich Simmons their friend. With his quick wit and hard working nature, Rich lived a life of faith. Rich was just Rich. More than anything, he appreciated and cherished the family he deeply loved and cared about. Forever remembered, he will indeed be missed.

Richard W. Simmons, Jr., of Comstock passed away on Tuesday, April 29, 2014 at the age of 58. Rich is survived by his son, Luke Simmons, of Kalamazoo; parents: Richard and Arlene Simmons, of Kalamazoo; six siblings: Phyllis Jacoby, of OH, Diane (Jerome) Mescher, of OH, Lori (Glenn) Green, Andy (April) Simmons, Ann (Scott) O’Day, and Joe Simmons, all of Kalamazoo; 15 nephews and nieces; and his beloved dog, Winston.

Rich's family will receive friends on Sunday from 1-4 PM at Life Story Funeral Home, 5975 Lovers Lane, Portage (269-344-5600). The funeral service will be held on Monday, 11:00 AM at Threads Church, 3600 Milham, Portage, with Pastor Peggy Baker officiating. Please visit Rich’s webpage at www.lifestorynet.com where you can sign his guestbook, and share a memory. Those who wish may make memorial contributions to the Kalamazoo County 4-H.