John R. Simer

Herrin- JOHN R. SIMER, age 55, of Herrin, passed away at 1:27pm on Tuesday, August 5, 2008 at his residence in Herrin. John was born in Mt. Vernon on November 24, 1952, the son of James and Mary Genevieve (Barnes) Simer. He married Susan Abbey in Dixon on February 5, 1971. They shared thirty-seven years of marriage, until her death on February 29, 2008. Mr. Simer retired from Maytag where he worked in the maintenance and welding departments. He was a member of the International Brotherhood of Boilmakers, the Core Reactors, and the International Machinist Union. John was a United States Army Air Force veteran having served in Vietnam. John enjoyed fishing, restoring old pictures, computers, and making and watching DVDs. He loved to fix things and even make new things and build his own things. He was always proud to tell the stupidest jokes. Survivors include- Son & daughter in law- Chrystapher Todd & Ronda Simer of Johnston City Daughter & son in law- Tina & James Reames of Carbondale Grandchild- Jenny Dean Simer of Johnston City one more Grandchild (baby Reames) on the way Brother- Marvin Simer of Arkansas Two sisters- Belinda Lewis of Dixon, IL Vesa Mae Rasmussen, Arkansas Mother-in-Law- Jane Wiwchar of Carmi Father-in-Law- Robert Abbey of Carmi Brother-in-Law- Harold Abbey of Carmi Brother-in-Law & sister in law- Kevin & Vickie Abbey of Las Vegas, NV Sister-in-Law & brother in law- Rhonda & Richard Knight of Carmi Several nieces & nephews and many cousins He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife- Susan, and one nephew- Scott Lewis. A memorial service will be held at 11:00am on Saturday, August 9, 2008 at Johnson-Hughes Funeral Home in Herrin with Rev. Don Colson will officiating. Inurnment will follow at Herrin City Cemetery with military honors performed by Herrins American Legion and VFW Posts. An hour of gathering will be from 10:00am until time of service, Saturday at the funeral home. For more information or to sign the memorial guest register, please visit www.hughesfuneralhomes.com.