Charles Winning Simmons went to be with the Lord on August 23, 2021 at 11:03pm in Orlando Florida. As was his quiet nature, he went to sleep here and awoke in his heavenly home. Charles was born in East St. Louis, Illinois on April 29, 1931 to Carl and Daisy (Jones) Simmons.
Preceded in death by his father, Carl Simmons, mother, Daisy Simmons, sister, Betty, brother, Donald Simmons, and son-in-law, Norman R. Paslay II. He is survived by his wife Verla (Noel) Simmons, daughters, Jeannine Paslay (Norman) of Cincinnati OH, Janice Leaman (Neil) of St. Louis MO, and Jerolyn Mallicoat (Robert) of Orlando FL, sister Norma Deck (Donald) of Brownstown IN and brother Ron Simmons (Rose) of St. Cloud FL.
Grandchildren: Kristen Paslay Ellis (Thomas), Kandice Paslay Faubert (Chad), Kedrin Paslay Cobb (Michael), Katelyn Paslay Sizemore (Andrew), Lauren Leaman Eubanks (Greg), Lanae Leaman Romey (Cole), Lexie Leaman, Charles Mallicoat, Charla Mallicoat.
Great Grandchildren: Emma Ellis, Audrey Ellis, Ava Ellis, Esther Faubert, Isaac Faubert, Elise Cobb, Emery Cobb, Elizabeth Cobb, Esabel Cobb, Averie Sizemore, Asher Sizemore, Madeleine Eubanks, Micah Eubanks, Malachi Eubanks, and Reagan Romey.
Charles’s nurturing spirit and sense of dedication to family motivated him at age 11 to get a job in a bicycle shop to help provide for his mother and three siblings. After completing the 10th grade, he left school to work full time at Drug Package, Inc. to support the family. November 16, 1951 Charles was drafted into the United States Army Military Police Command where he served 2 years in Korea. During his daily interaction with the POWs, his aptitude for learning the Japanese and Korean languages became apparent. He completed his service October 30, 1953 and returned to Drug Package, Inc. where he retired after 46 years. In 1955 he married the love of his life Verla Mae Noel. He was smitten with her blonde hair, blue eyes, and spunkiness! Being a man of few words (his favorite saying) and her vibrant personality made for a perfect match! May 15, 2021, they celebrated 66 wonderful years.
At the early age of 6, Charles began teaching himself to fix things by taking apart radios, clocks and lawn mowers that his dad would bring home. By taking them apart and putting them back together he soon learned how to fix anything! It was no problem if a part wasn’t available because he would create one, the ultimate fix-it man! He fixed many toys, watches, clocks, appliances, furniture and cars. His daughters and grandchildren quickly learned fixing things was truly his love language. He left his footprint at New Life, St. Louis where he helped to build the present church, served as a trustee on the board, led song service and played the guitar. After moving to Cincinnati in 1998, he left another footprint building The Calvary Church and then continued as building maintenance. Serving the Lord and being faithful to church were top priorities.
One of his favorite hobbies was working on Street Rods. He enjoyed going to car shows and spending time with his friends. His favorite place to visit was his home in Maggie Valley NC, finding relaxation in the mountains. He loved spending time with his grandchildren and great grandchildren just as much as they loved spending time with him. He was known for his perpetual smile and gentle spirit. Always considerate, humble, and loving. He never spoke an unkind word, a gentleman known for his consistency. He leaves behind a significant legacy.
Visitation will be at The Calvary Church, 11970 Kenn Rd., Cincinnati, Ohio 45240, on Saturday, September 4, 2021 from 10:00 to 11:00.
Celebration of Life 11:00.
In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting memorials be made to: The Bishop Center, c/o The Calvary Church, 11970 Kenn Rd., Cincinnati, Ohio 45240.
Christopher, Frances & Abigail Stieglitz says
We are deeply saddened by the great loss of Bro. Simmons. He always had a smile and word of kindness. As much as he rooted on our beloved St. Louis Cardinal baseball team, he’s rooting the rest of us on now in our “great cloud of witnesses.” He is missed already. We are praying for you all.
Durell Wildman says
This precious man has been promoted to his well deserved Heavenly Reward. We feel honored to have known him for 7 plus years and learned to love and respect he and Sis. Verla and their family. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family during this very sad time.
Julie Worzel-Adams says
Bro Simmons was a Jewel!!! The Simmons family has meant the world to our family for years. I remember the many times I was in their home in St. Louis as a young girl. I love you all and have been praying for peace and comfort during this time of deep sorrow. Heaven gained a precious man of God. ❤️
Mark Grisham says
Precious man. Loved by all Grishamkind.
I am grateful I was blessed with his friendship and the honor of knowing those he loved dearly.
Never met a finer gentleman.
May God comfort our friends.
We love his wonderful family.
Together Charles and Verla made beautiful people and built a wonderful legacy.
Evelyn Simmons says
The world will forever be changed with Charles no longer being here. He was a very kind, gentle person. Don would often talk how he would come to his rescue if he ran into trouble. Everyone in the family was so proud of his time in Korea. So proud of his service to our Country. Charles always had a smile. Unlike his younger brothers he didn’t seem to have a temper. There are so many in Heaven to greet him. Don for one I am sure was right at the gate. Prayers for the family. Evelyn Simmons
Debbie Phillips says
It is hard to find words to adequately express my sorrow for your loss. The hole in your heart feels more like a cavern. I know, having lost my father three days before you. Thankfully, we have wonderful memories to carry us through. And, because we have hope in Christ, we know our fathers have stepped over into that eternal realm where minutes, hours, and days are no longer counted, and it won’t seem too long until we join them with our Lord, and ….”Won’t it be Wonderful There?….🎵
DC Harrison says
Brother Simmons, was such extraordinary person that I ever met. She knew how to fix anything! Blew my mind. I’m so grateful to have had this pleasure of meeting him and knowing him. He had such a great smile and a positive attitude and his faith in God it was evident. I will miss him. But we will all meet again on the other side. Blessings to the Simmonds family and the Paslay family. Love and prayers .
Bennie & Pat (Brooks) Blunt says
Our thoughts and prayers are with you, Sis. Vera and family. May the Lord give each one of you peace and comfort. We loved and appreciated Bro. Charles.
Larry Craig says
I remember the years of friendship with our families. The many cars shows and church functions we attended together and truly his never ending smile. I am sure he will be missed by all who really new him and my prayers are with all of the family.
Blessings, Larry & Annette Craig
Louise Simmons says
So sorry for your loss! Your family is dear to my heart and I am praying for all of you.
Love