Lester C. Simmons

CORTLAND - Lester C. Simmons, 92, passed away on Saturday, March 21, 2015 at St. Elizabeth Hospital in Youngstown following a brief illness. His loving family was beside him.

Mr. Simmons was born to Lester and Clara Simmons on September 23, 1922 in Warren. He grew up on a large farm in Lordstown where he attended school. He was a graduate of Warren Harding High School and attended Youngstown State University, graduating in 1968 with a degree in civil engineering. He became a certified civil engineer in 1977.

Lester married Mary Bernice Ward on April 20, 1942 and they had a loving marriage of nearly 66 years until Berni's passing in 2008.

As a young lad, he and his parents took an adventurous motor trip across the United States. This was in the days before the interstates and lodging was a catch as catch can. This led to Lester's love of travel, as he and Berni travelled extensively through Canada, Mexico, Europe and the United States.

During WWII, Lester worked at Copperweld Steel. He then went on to work at Warren Engineering Company where he started as a bricklayer and retired in 1998, more than 50 years later as Office Manager in charge of the IBM system. Lester was proud to be a lifelong member of the Bricklayers Union Local 43.

Mr. Simmons was a dedicated member of First Baptist Church of Warren where he served on the governing board for many years. Lester faithfully attended monthly lunches with a group of former members of First Baptist Church and lunches with former co-workers of Warren Engineering Company.

He was an avid Formula 1 racing fan and enjoyed most sporting events. He loved his dogs, horses, birds and tinkering in his workshop.

One of Lester's greatest joys was spending time with family and friends. Every Sunday evening the extended family would gather at Lester's house for fellowship. The visit each autumn by his nephew, David Haller of Cartersville, Georgia was a source of pleasure and intellectual debate. Lester shared a special bond with his great-niece, Elaine Kelley of Cortland. The two enjoyed numerous luncheons and their mutual love of horses and education was a bonding force.

Mr. Simmons is survived by his son, Tod (Susan Dubasik) Simmons of Cortland; grandsons, Don Simmons of Warren and Jeremy (Angela) of Fort Worth, Texas; great-grandson, Logan Simmons of Niles; brother-in-law John (Elaine) Ward of Cortland; sisters-in-law, Wilda Wells of Champion and Joanne (Eldon) Clute of Avon Park, Florida; plus 14 nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his wife and parents.

Following his wishes, the family asks that donations be made to Hospice of the Valley, 5190 Market Street, Youngstown, Ohio 44512. There will be no service and cremation has taken place.

Arrangements were entrusted to McFarland and Son Funeral and Cremation Services Co, 271 North Park Avenue, Warren, OH 44481, 330-393-9621. Please visit www.McFarlandCares.com to view this obituary, and send condolences.