HR0074 102ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR0074 LRB102 15509 LAW 20872 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois House of Representatives are saddened to learn of the death of Mayor Jon Arthur Simmons of Vienna, who passed away on January 27, 2021; and

WHEREAS, Mayor Simmons was born in Goreville Township, Johnson County to John and Veneta (Hudgens) Simmons on June 15, 1941; he graduated from Vienna High School in 1959; he was drafted on November 27, 1963, and he served in U.S. Army during the Vietnam War; he was honorably discharged on November 26, 1965; he married Jessie Jean Goins in Vienna on June 22, 2012; and

WHEREAS, Mayor Simmons became an auctioneer in 1974, and he traveled all over Southern Illinois to conduct auctions; he loved to conduct auctions and visit with auction followers; he also owned and operated Linda's Tavern in Vienna for several years; and

WHEREAS, Mayor Simmons served as the mayor of the City of Vienna for the past 12 years; he loved Vienna and its people; he was known for always providing a reliable, helping hand to whomever was in need; and

WHEREAS, Mayor Simmons was a member of Faith Harvest Assembly Church in Vienna; he was a life member of the Saline Masonic Lodge #339 A.F. & A.M. in Goreville, the Beggs-Gurley VFW Post # 5222, and the Ainad Shrine temple; and

WHEREAS, Mayor Simmons was an avid sports and St. Louis Cardinals baseball fan; he loved to attend all sporting events, especially the Vienna Eagles boys and girls basketball games; he was always there for the kids and was their #1 fan; in years past, he enjoyed rabbit and quail hunting; and

WHEREAS, Mayor Simmons was preceded in death by his parents; his brothers, Guy B. Simmons and Max Simmons; and his father-in-law and mother-in-law, James and Maude Goins; and

WHEREAS, Mayor Simmons is survived by his wife and best friend of over 35 years, Jean Simmons; his sons, Frank Towns (Tashia Culp) and Jason (Lisa) Meyer; his grandchildren, Ryker James Towns and Electa Ann Meyer; his brother, Gary Simmons; and his several nieces, nephews, and cousins; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE ONE HUNDRED SECOND GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we mourn the passing of Mayor Jon Arthur Simmons and extend our sincere condolences to his family, friends, and all who knew and loved him; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to the family of Mayor Simmons as an expression of our deepest sympathy.