Charles E. Simmons, Jr., 96

August 06, 2015

Charles E. Simmons, Jr., 96, formerly of Lancaster, passed away Thursday, August 6, 2015, at Lakeside at Willow Valley. Born in Lancaster and raised in Millersville, Charles was the son of the late Charles E., Sr. and Mary (Heidlauf) Simmons. His wife of 55 years, Beatrice (Bookman) Simmons, died in 1999.

A 1936 graduate of Manor Township High School, Charles served in the US Air Force from 1941 to 1964 as an aircraft maintenance officer, retiring as a Chief Warrant Officer. He supervised the maintenance of the aircraft that performed the flyover for President Kennedy’s funeral. Later in life Charles performed a complete restoration of his son’s 1970 Citabria Aircraft “Lorelei”. After retiring from the Air Force, Charles worked as the golf course superintendent of Sportsman’s Golf Course in Harrisburg for 3 years and then Media Heights Golf Club for 5 years. Lastly, Charles served as Superintendent of the Motor Vehicle Bureau for the City of Lancaster for 9 years, retiring in 1981.

Charles was a member of Crossroads Community Church. He enjoyed golfing at Media Heights, playing Bridge at Willow Valley and was active in the community of Riverwoods Plantation, Fort Myers, FL. A 32nd Degree Mason, he belonged to Charles M. Howell Lodge #496 F. & A. M., Millersville, the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite, Valley of Lancaster and Harrisburg, Lancaster County Shrine Club, Rajah Temple A.A.O.N.M.S. of Reading.

Surviving is a daughter, Doris A., wife of Maynard A. Hamilton of Willow Street, son Charles E. Simmons, III, husband of Debra J. of Mount Joy, 5 grandchildren, 8 great-grandchildren and 3 great-great-grandchildren. Charles was preceded in death by his siblings Eugene, Richard and Kenneth Simmons, Miriam Sauder and Elva Bowman.

For all those who cared for Mr. Simmons at Willow Valley, his doctors and AseraCare Hospice, the love and compassion is greatly appreciated.

Funeral services will be held 11 AM Monday, August 10, 2015, at the Charles F. Snyder Jr. Funeral Home & Crematory, 3110 Lititz Pike, Lititz, PA 17584, with Rev. Dwight Addington and Rev. Josh Glagola officiating. Military Honors will be accorded by Red Rose Veterans Honor Guard. Charles’ family will receive friends on Monday from 10 to 11 AM at the funeral home. Interment will take place in Millersville Mennonite Cemetery.