Homer Dale Simmers

Homer D. Simmers, age 73, of New Philadelphia, died early Wednesday morning, March 2, 2005 in Union Hospital at Dover. Born in his family home in the Sharon Valley on the outskirts of Wainwright, Homer was the last surviving son of the late Homer Eugene and Elva Grace Reichman Simmers.Homer was well known in the area both professionally as a registered surveyor, and an active civic leader. A 1949 graduate of New Philadelphia High School, Homer served honorably stationed in Newfoundland for the United States Air Force from 1951 to 1955 before attending the Ohio State University. He was formerly associated with George A. Fielder & Associates, W.E. Quicksall & Associates, the Muskingum Watershed Conservancy District, and ultimately, Tom Larkin Construction until his retirement in 1993. Homer was a life member and former trustee of both the V.F.W. post 1445 at New Philadelphia, and the B.P.O.E. #510 where he was Past Exalted Ruler and Past District Deputy. He was very patriotic, and served on the honor guard at military funerals for the V.F.W. Most of all, Homer loved spending time with his family. Whether in outdoor activities, flying small aircraft, or taking trips with his wife, he relished his role as husband, father, and grandfather. He leaves behind his wife, whom he met and fell in love with at the former Tuscora Park Skate Rink, Ann I. Coniglio. Their marriage on June 1, 1957 produced three sons and a daughter, six grandchildren and a great-grandchild; Gregory Simmers of Midvale and his son Ryan Simmers, Timothy (Penney) Simmers of Dover and his son and daughter Adam and Mandy Simmers, Ron “Rabbit” Simmers of New Philadelphia and his son and daughter Tony G. Simmers and Lauren Marie Simmers, and Julie (Ken) Studer of New Philadelphia and her son Christopher P. Barr, and Christopher’s daughter, Isabella Ann Barr. A sister, June (Bob) Miller of Skokie, IL, completes the family. In addition to his parents, Homer was preceded in death by three brothers; Earl, Lester “Lee”, and Melvin “Gene” Simmers.Friends are invited to call Sunday afternoon, March 6, from 4 to 7 PM in the Linn-Hert-Geib Funeral Home & Crematory at New Philadelphia where members of the New Philadelphia Elks will conduct a Lodge of Sorrow service at 7 PM. The Rev. Leland Eilert will lead Homer’s funeral ceremony Monday morning, March 7, at 10:30 AM at the funeral home’s chapel. Burial will follow, with military honors, conducted by the New Philadelphia VFW honor guard at Evergreen Burial Park. Following the committal service, a reception will be held in the Hospitality Room at the Geib Funeral Center at 5600 North Wooster Avenue at Dover. The family requests that memorial contributions be directed to Hospice of Tuscarawas County, 201 West Third Street, Dover, OH, 44622, or to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.