Wayne D. Simmons, 78, of Benld, IL, died at St. John's Hospital, Springfield, IL on Wednesday, April 23, 2025 at 2:05 am.  He was born January 7, 1947, in Chicago, IL to Glenn Simmons & Rosetta Skelton Simmons.  He married Patricia Ann Schuette Simmons on April 24, 1964 in Bethalto, IL.  He was a papermaker for The Box Board and Jefferson Smurfitt.  Wayne was a member of the United Paperworkers International Union and VP of Local Union 975.  He enjoyed fishing, hunting, camping and being with his family.  He is survived by his spouse, Patricia "Pat" Simmons of Benld, IL, sons, Frank (Patricia) Simmons of Hookerton, NC, Jason (Shelly) Simmons of Brighton, IL, Glenn (Kim) Simmons of Mt. Clare, IL, grandchildren, Katie Jenkins, Zachary Simmons, Marc Simmons, Nicholas (Claire) Simmons, Jacob Simmons, Ethan Simmons, Logan Simmons, great-grandchildren, Eleanor Jenkins, Matilda Jenkins, siblings, Nancy Lee Skelton of Jerseyville, IL, Robert (Donna) Simmons of Naples, FL.  Wayne was preceded in death by his parents and son, Jonathan Simmons.

Friends may call on Sunday, April 27, 2025 at  Kravanya Funeral Home, Benld from 12:00 pm until 2:00 pm.  Funeral services are Sunday, April 27, 2025 at 2:00 pm at Kravanya Funeral Home, Benld.  Burial will be at Immanuel Lutheran Cemetery, Mt. Olive, IL.  Memorials are suggested to Benld Fire Department.  Anyone wishing to send an online condolence may do so at www.kravanyafuneral.com.  Kravanya Funeral Home, Benld, IL  is in charge of the arrangements.