Pg. 346-347 JOSEPH FRANCIS SIMMONS Joseph Francis SIMMONS was born May 28, 1928 in Johnson County, Il. His parents were Jerry Oliver SIMMONS (Aug 10 1875-Dec. 23, 1952) and Laura Dora Diesel SIMMONS (Jan. 11, 1893-Feb. 27, 1942). Jerry was a farmer in the Grantsburg Community of Johnson County. Jerry and Laura had four children; Mary (Jul 27 `9`7), Junior (1920-1921), Russell (Jun 21, `926) and Joe (Aug 6, 1946). Joe enlisted in the U.S. Army and served overseas in the Korean Conflict. He was discharged 1955. Joe married Velma Loudean SHOEMAKER on September 9, 1951. Loudean was born Dec. 11, 1932 in Johnson Co. Il. Her parents were Alonza Alfafa (Sep 4, 1888-Oct 8 1934) and Dimples Darling Harper SHOEMAKER (Apr 16, 1896-Jun 25 1934). Alonzo was a logger and operated a saw mill in the Tunnel Hill Community of Johnson County. Alonzo and Dimple had eight children; Paul (January 28 1915-Apr 28 1983), James (Sep 1, 1916-May 12 1968), Fay (May 23 1919-Apr 13 1975), Flo (Sep 23 1922), Doris (Mar 31, 1925-Jul 3, 1935), Alonzo Jr. (Jul 18 1927-Nov 25 1928), Billie Joe (Nov 3 1930) and Loudean. In June 1965, Joe and his family moved from Johnson Co. to Pope Co., where he was employed by Golconda Job Corp as head cook. Joe has since retired and spends his time collection, trading and refinishing antiques. Loudean has been an Avon representative since 1977. They purchased their home on the Golconda hill from Frank HAYES in 1972, where they presently reside. Joe and Loudean had five children, with Tim and Tom being twins. Deborah Jo was born May 25, 1953. She graduated from Pope Co. High School in 1971. She married Gary E. McKIBBEN on May 27, 1972. Gary was born July 24, 1948 to George E. and Ruth Lawrence McKIBBEN. Gary and Debby had one child; Amber Renee (September 12, 1979). Timothy Lee born Sept 19 1957. He graduated from Pope County High School in 1975. Tim married Kathy Lynn OWENS Aug. 25, 1978. She was born Feb. 10, 1960 to Bill and Gladonna Oxford OWENS. Tim and Kathy have two children; Brandalynn Lee (Mar 9 1979) and Timothy Wayne (Aug 11, 1982). Thomas Lyn was born Sept. 19, 1967. He graduated from Pope Co. High School in 1975. Tom married Alma Diane FAULKNER on Oct. 25, 1975. Diane was born Jan. 21, 1959 to Rodney and Joan Bell Faulkner. Tom and Diane have two children; Jessica Lynn (April 30, 1976) and Thomas Joseph (February 25 1981). James Oliver was born November 2, 1959. He graduated from Pope Co. High School in 1978 and from Murray State Univ. in 1983. Jim majored in Physical Education and has a minor in Mathematics. Jim is currently teaching at Marion, Ky. Jeffery Allen was born November 22, 1962. He died at the age of 11 months, 5 days. He is buried at Reynoldsburg Cemetery, Johnson County Illinois.