Joseph Lawson "J.L." Simons

McMinnville resident and Van Buren County, TN native Joseph Lawson "J.L." Simons, age 95, was born March 27, 1917 and died March 11, 2013 at his residence following an extended illness. A retired carpenter, United States Army veteran of WWII and member of the Baptist Church, he was the son of the late James and Hassie Hillis Simons. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, Everett Simons and five sisters, Lorena Simons, Inez Hale, Audrey McCoy, Elsie Pearl Simons and Georgie Simons. He was married September 14, 1953 to Cleo Prater Simons of McMinnville. In addition to his wife, he is survived by three children and their spouses, Joann and Mike Archambault of Clarkrange, TN, James Gary and Cathey Simons of Manchester, TN and Jeffery Simons of McMinnville; seven grandchildren and twelve great-grandchildren; three sisters and brother-in-law, Loray and Joe Eller, Fay Sharpe and Virgie Ward all of McMinnville and several nieces and nephews. Funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m. Thursday, March 14, 2013 in High's Chapel with Pastor Greg Nash officiating. Burial will follow in the Crain Hill Cemetery in Van Buren County, TN with full military honors administered by the VFW Post 5064 and American Legion Post 173. Visitation will be held from 4:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. Wednesday and 11:00 a.m. until time of service Thursday at High's.