Ricky Lee "Rick" Simmons (64) of Salem

Ricky Lee “Rick” Simmons, age 64 of Salem, passed away on Thursday, January 26, 2023, at his home.

Rick was born on May 3, 1958, in Olney, Illinois the son of Donald and Rosa Joan (Atwood) Simmons. He married Cindy (McKibben) Simmons on March 15, 1980, in Fairfield, Illinois and she survives in Salem.

Survivors include his wife, Cindy; two sons, Tyler Simmons and wife Jenna of Vincennes, Indiana, and their son, Jack, and Jared Simmons and wife Sarah of Piru, California; brothers, David Simmons and wife Rita in St. Charles, Missouri, Jesse Simmons and wife Cathy of Geff, and Sam Simmons and wife Sherri of Flora; a sister, Vicky Davis and husband Cliff of Cisne; mother-in-law, Shirley McKibben of Fairfield, Illinois; and brother-in-law, Bruce McKibben and wife Debbie of Fairfield, Illinois. He is also survived by several nieces and nephews.

Rick was a faithful member of the Salem Lutheran Church where he was a part of the church choir. He worked for over 30 years as a Teacher, Coach of both baseball and basketball, and Athletic Director at the South Central Schools. He was an avid St. Louis Cardinals fan and liked watching Illini basketball. He was a member of the Salem Community Theatre where he had roles in numerous plays.

Funeral Services for Ricky Lee “Rick” Simmons will be held on Saturday, February 4, 2023, at 10:00 a.m. at the Salem Lutheran Church with Pastor Mike Feldman officiating.  Burial will follow at Travers Cemetery in Mt. Erie, Illinois. There will be a visitation on Friday, February 3, 2023, at Crouse Funeral Home in Salem from 5:00 – 7:30 p.m. Memorial contributions can be made to Rick’s grandson Jack’s College Education or to the Salem Community Theatre and can be left at the funeral home. Online condolences can be made by clicking here.