Benjamin Simmons

Benjamin Simmons was born on March 11, 1927 in Fluker, Louisiana, to the late Sandy and Ellen Simmons. He departed this life on Wednesday, July 6, 2011 at Life Care Center of Waynesville, Missouri, at the age of 84. He was one of nine children, six of which preceded him in death; two sisters: Edna and Vernell; four brothers: Moses, Buster, Emile, and Walter. His elementary education was at Fluker Elementary; Fluker, Louisiana and later graduated from Kentwood High School; Kentwood, Louisiana where he played basketball. It was no surprise that he became known for his skill at playing basketball and his height of 6’ 6” was an additional advantage to his ability on the basketball court was discovered early in his military career as he played on various army teams. In 1945, Benjamin began his military career with the United States Army and served at Fort Chaffee, Arkansas, Fort Knox, Kentucky; Fort Hood, Texas; Fort Benning, Georgia to include two tours of duty in France; one tour in Korea, and two tours in Germany. He ended his military career where he started his career; Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri where he retired with honors as a Platoon Sergeant. His military career spanned three wars: World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War. On July 14, 1956 Benjamin married the love of his life, Betty Jean Burton, in Amite, Louisiana. A marriage that lasted 55 years included Betty accompanying “Simmons” to every duty assignment thereafter; both domestic and foreign. His retirement led them to make their home in 1967 St. Robert and eventually, Dixon, Missouri in 1986. After his retirement in 1967, Benjamin could be found very early in the morning listening to his favorite jazz musician and watching his favorite shows, the old westerns of the 50’s and 60’s. After about six months of relaxation he was back at work, this time with the Army and Air Force Exchange Services (AAFES) working as a mobile vendor and retired after 15 years of service. Benjamin started his Christian journey at an early age at Fluker Chapel AME Church in Fluker, Louisiana and later joined First Baptist Church of St. Robert; St. Robert, Missouri where he was baptized into the faith and began a journey of faithful membership for over 20 years until his illness. While a member at First Baptist of St. Robert he was ordained a deacon and served well and in the words of Paul, “…those who have served well as deacons obtain for themselves a good standing and great boldness in the faith which is in Christ Jesus” (I Timothy 3:13). Left to cherish his memory is his beloved wife of 55 years, Betty, one daughter and son-in-law, Rev. Mattie and Rev. Wilbur Carmon of Piscataway, New Jersey; two brothers, Joseph and Edward Simmons both of Fluker, Louisiana; 2 grandchildren, Shanel Robinson and Andrea Gray and her husband, Alex; 5 great grandchildren; Keneisha, Darryl, Naashon, Bryce and Arden, a special niece Millie Simmons, a host of nephews, nieces, other relatives and a few loyal and faithful friends. Services were held at 1:00 p.m. Tuesday, July 12, 2011 in the First Baptist Church of St. Robert, Missouri with Rev. Bill Dudley officiating. Mrs. Cassie Allen sang “The Anchor Holds” and “This Old House”. Ben’s granddaughters, Ms. Shanel Robinson and Mrs. Andrea Gray sang “The Lord’s Prayer”. Ben’s son-in-law, Rev. Wilbur Carmon read resolutions from churches and also gave a beautiful eulogy. Several family members and friends recalled their wonderful memories of Ben. Burial with military honors followed in the Missouri Veterans Cemetery – Fort Leonard Wood. Military honors were provided by the United States Army of Fort Leonard Wood.Services were under the direction of Memorial Chapels and Crematory of Waynesville / St. Robert. Memorial contributions may be made in memory of Ben Simmons to the First Baptist Church Building Fund and may be made left at the funeral home.

Benjamin Simmons

March 11, 1927 - July 6, 2011