Rev. Donald Ray Simmons

Rev. Donald Ray Simmons, age 70, of Elkhart went home to be with his Lord and Savior on February 25, 2022 from complications of congestive heart and kidney failure. Don was born on July 31,1951 in Martin, TN. to the late Ray and Norma Ann Simmons. The family later moved to Lansing Michigan. Don graduated from Everette High School in Lansing Michigan in 1969. After receiving the call to preach at the age of 16, Don went on to graduate from Mid Continent Baptist College in Mayfield, KY. He then furthered his education and received a Master's degree in Theology from Mid America Theological Seminary in Memphis, TN. He pastored churches in Arkansas, Missouri and Indiana. Don was a pastor for over 50 years and currently the pastor at Maple City Baptist Church of Goshen, Indiana for the past 16 years.

Don had a passion and deep love for singing southern gospel music. He would travel many miles to hear his favorite groups. He also sang with his daughter, Alicia and blessed many church congregations throughout the Midwest. He enjoyed going to auctions and to car shows with his daughter, Kristi. He previously had a booth at Antique's on Beardsley. He loved people and never met a stranger.

Rev. Don is survived by his wife of 49 years, Sharon, his daughters Alicia Simmons of Chicago, and Kristi Simmons of Elkhart and his grand dogs Mags, Lucy and London.

Don is also survived by his brother Gary (Beth Ann) Simmons of Michigan, nephew's Jacob (Kelly) Simmons of Michigan, Cameron Simmons of Michigan and niece Amanda (Dr. Dave) Weyh of Japan, sister in-law Sandy Martin (Tommy) and their sons Timmy, Joey and Jesse.

Funeral services will be held at 6pm on Wednesday, March 2, 2022 at Stemm-Lawson-Peterson Funeral Home, 1531 Cobblestone Blvd., Elkhart, IN 46514 where visitation will be from 4-6pm. Dr. Mark Hutsell and Rev. Dennis Cleveland will officiate. Burial will be 12pm Friday March 4, 2022 at Woodlawn Memorial Gardens in Paducah, KY. Rev. Harrell Riley will officiate graveside services.   In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Sharon. Online condolences may be made to the Simmons at www.stemmlawsonpeterson.com