Martin Edward Simmons, 73, of McLeansboro, Illinois, formerly of White County, passed away on Friday, June 26, 2026, at Silver Foxes Senior Living & Rehabilitation Center in McLeansboro, IL. Marty was born on April 27, 1953, the son of Charlie Martin Simmons and Mary Lou (Rose) Utley. On July 3, 1981, he married Patti Anne Taylor of Crossville. Together they shared 42 years of marriage, raised two daughters, Miranda and Hannah, and were blessed with six grandchildren. Marty and Patti faithfully watched Oak Island together every Tuesday night, convinced that this would finally be the week the treasure was discovered—a hope their family lovingly teased them about for years. The two remained married until Patti’s passing in 2023. Marty worked in the oil field during his younger years before beginning a career at Continental General Tire in Mt. Vernon, IL. He enjoyed golfing, tending to his treasured banana tree in the backyard, baking homemade bread, and pulling a good prank. Above all, music was his greatest passion. Over the years, he played the drums in several bands, including Stone Moses, which released an album in 1974. Later, he loved to get together and “jam” with former bandmates and other local musicians. It was rare to find him without music playing nearby. He was preceded in death by his amazing wife of 42 years, Patti Anne; his mother, Mary Lou Utley; his father, Charlie Martin Simmons; his sister, Mayolene Allen; his brother, Gordon Farny; and nephews Jerrod & Jamie Farny. He is survived by his daughter, Miranda Simmons of McLeansboro, and her children, Henry Grayson, Leo Morgan, Georgia Grace, and William August; his daughter, Hannah (Drew) Riley of Crossville, and their sons, Knox Martin and Griffin John; his younger sister, Treasa Millenbine; his mother-in-law, Ruthie Jacobs; special lifelong loved one, Betty Delong; and many beloved nieces and nephews.
Family and friends are invited to gather from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Sunday, July 12, 2026, at the Maunie United Methodist Church in Maunie, Illinois. Funeral services will begin at 4 p.m. Following the service, Marty and Patti’s ashes will be laid to rest together at Marshall Ferry Cemetery in Rising Sun, Illinois. Pastor Dave Cochran will officiate the services.
Marty’s daughters wish to extend their heartfelt appreciation to his sister Treasa and his nieces, Jennifer Maulding, Jessica Flannigan, and Cejay Hybbert, as well as the staffs of Hamilton Memorial Hospital, Silver Foxes Senior Living & Rehabilitation Center, and Hospice, for their exceptional care, kindness, and compassion.
The family is being served by Harre Funeral Home, 310 West Randolph St., McLeansboro, Illinois 62859.
