Obituary of Donald E. Simmons

Donald E. Simmons, 65, of State College, died Wednesday, December 9, 2015, at the Hearthside Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, State College. Born December 16, 1949, in Parsons, WV, he was the son of the late Garland E. and Verla E. Lipscomb Simmons. He is survived by his sister, Ronda Simmons Baldwin and her husband, James, of Lamar, MO. Also surviving is his niece, Kimberly Meredith and her husband, Ryan, and their children, Tristan and Emily and a nephew James T. Baldwin II. Donald was a 1967 graduate of Parsons High School. In 1973 he received his bachelor's degree from the University of West Virginia in Computer Science. He retired after 30 years as a Computer Specialist for the US Department of Agriculture. Near and dear to Donald's heart were Penn State and West Virginia athletics as evidenced by the athletic scholarship funds he set up at each university. He especially enjoyed watching the Penn State Lady Lions and attended as many of their basketball, volleyball and soccer games as possible. He enjoyed gardening and even when he was too ill to weed his garden he enlisted the help of others, such as his brother-in-law, Jim, while visiting, to help with the task. Donald was very appreciative of all the support given to him during his battle with cancer. His friends and neighbors who looked after his property and provided transportation to doctor and treatment appointments, Meals-on-Wheels, Home Nursing Agency and AseraCare Hospice will be remembered by his family. Services will be private at the convenience of the family. Burial will be in Parsons City Cemetery, Parsons, WV. Memorial contributions may be made to the Pride Class Scholarship Fund at Penn State University, 1 Old Main, University Park, PA 16802, to the Pride Class Scholarship Fund at West Virginia University, Mountaineer Athletic Club Fund 32600, PO Box 08777, Morgantown, WV 26507, Attention: Kevin Miller, or to the Garland and Verla Simmons Scholarship Fund at Alderson-Broaddus University, 101 College Hill Dr., Philippi, WV 26416. Arrangements are under the care of Koch Funeral Home, State College. Online condolences and signing of the guest book may be entered at www.kochfuneralhome.com.