Otis E Simmons

Otis E. Simmons, 76, of Sharon Valley Road, New Philadelphia, died Friday, May 4, 2007 at his home.A son of the late Otis E. Simmons, Sr. and the late Essie (O’Brian) Simmons, Otis was born April 10, 1931 at Brightwood, Ohio.On January 24, 1951, Otis married the former Sarah Everett in St. James Lutheran Church at Tuscarawas. Otis, who was a member of St. James Lutheran Church at Tuscarawas, was the owner and operator of Otis Simmons Excavating. He enjoyed farming in which he raised beef cattle over the years.He is survived by his wife, Sarah Simmons, two sons, Gregory Simmons of Sharon Valley Road and Douglas Simmons of Mud Run Road; his faithful companion, his dog Bree; six grandchildren, five great grandchildren; two sisters, Jane Coutts of Newcomerstown and Maxine Lahm of Tuscarawas and his mother-in-law, Cecilia Everett of Sharon Valley Road.Otis was preceded in death by his parents and one sister, Martha Mathias.In keeping with Otis’ wishes, cremation has taken place at Linn-Hert-Geib Funeral Home & Crematory at New Philadelphia. A memorial service celebrating Otis’ life will be led by Rev. Paul Camp on Wednesday, May 9, 2007 at 11 a.m. at the farm. The family suggests that guests dress in casual attire, just as Otis would as he worked on the farm.Memorial contributions may be made in Otis’ honor to the St. James Lutheran Church, P.O. Box 336, Tuscarawas, OH 44682 and/or Hospice of Tuscarawas County, 201 West Third Street, Dover, OH 44622.