The Rev. Dr. Lolard A. Simmons Sr.

The Rev. Dr. Lolard A. Simmons Sr. of Farmington passed away on Monday, December 29, 2008, at Parkland Health Center, at the age of 82 years. He was born on January 25, 1926, in Fredericktown, the son of the late Fred William and Emma Vierna (Pogue) Simmons. He was also preceded in death by a son, Mark Lee Simmons, two brothers, Paul Simmons and Otto Simmons, and two sisters, Hilda Richards and Helen Miget. Dr. Simmons earned the Bachelor of Science Degree from Southern Illinois University, Edwardsville, Illinois, the Master of Theology and the Doctor of Ministry Degrees from Luther Rice Seminary in Jacksonville, Florida. He served as Pastor of Curdie Heights Baptist Church, Alton, Illinois, for twenty-two years and Calvary Baptist Church, Casa Grande, Arizona, for two years. He and Dorothy were commissioned missionaries by the Home Mission Board of the Southern Baptist Convention. He served as Director of Missions for the River Valley, Gila Valley, and San Carlos Baptist Associations in Arizona for twenty years, where he was instrumental in starting numerous new congregations. He was a member of First Baptist Church, Farmington, Missouri. He will be sadly missed by all who knew him and loved him, that includes his wife of 64 years, Dorothy B. (McPherson) Simmons, three children, Doris (Mrs. Terry) Arnold of Carson City, NV, Alan Simmons Jr. and wife, Candy of Fredericktown, and Twyla (Mrs. Harry) Paul of Poquoson, VA, a daughter-in-law, Janet Simmons of Hartford, IL, twelve grandchildren, Melissa Thouroughman, Matthew Arnold, Lolard Alan Sim Simmons III, Scott Alan Simmons, Stephanie Lobbig, Kenneth Simmons, Christine Makin, Ann Marie Hines, Jason Price, Chris Price, Michelle Simmons and Mark Simmons II, numerous great-grandchildren, and a sister, Madine Starks of Maryland Heights, MO. Numerous other relatives, friends and his church family also survive. The family will receive friends at Cozean Memorial Chapel from 1 to 2 p.m. on Friday, January 2, 2009. A funeral service will follow at the Cozean Chapel with the Rev. Lindell Sikes officiating. Burial will be at Little Vine Cemetery in Madison County. Memorials may be made to donors choice. Obituary and online condolences at www.cozeanfuneralhome.com.