White Funeral Home
400 First Street West
Independence, Iowa 50644

INDEPENDENCE – Donald Lee Simmons, affectionately known as “Simmy,” 88 years old, of Independence, Iowa, passed away peacefully at his home on May 1, 2025, surrounded by his loving family.

Funeral Services will be 11:00 a.m. – Wednesday, May 7, 2025, at White Funeral Home in Independence, followed by burial at Mt. Hope Cemetery, where military honors will be accorded by Bechter-Boies VFW Post 2440 and Sheehan-Tidball American Legion Post 30, assisted by the United States Navy. Following the services at the cemetery, a meal will be served at the VFW Post 2440 in Independence.

Visitation will be 5:00 p.m.- 7:00 p.m., Tuesday, May 6, 2025, at White Funeral Home in Independence, and will continue for an hour before services, Wednesday, at the funeral home.

Don was born on April 14, 1937, in Independence, Iowa, to Merle Leon Simmons and Ruth Lydia (Schuman) Simmons. He graduated from Independence High School with the Class of 1955. He proudly served his country in the United States Navy from 1955 to 1959, during which time he was stationed in San Diego and Hawaii. On June 18, 1965, he married the love of his life, Louella Brimmer, and together they built a life centered around love, family, and community.

Don worked as a line foreman for Collins Radio in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, followed by a dedicated career as a mail carrier with the U.S. Postal Service in Independence, where he worked for 30 years until his retirement in 1997.

Don was a member of the Waterloo Elks Club, and actively participated in various conservation organizations, including Buchanan County Ducks Unlimited, Pheasants Forever, and the Wildlife Association. His deep appreciation for the outdoors led him to a lifetime of enjoyment in hunting—particularly ducks and turkeys—fishing, gardening, birdwatching, and grilling. An avid supporter of the Iowa Hawkeyes, Don cherished the camaraderie of tailgating at football games with friends.

After retirement, Don and Louella spent wonderful years traveling and visiting family in Texas and Arizona. However, his greatest joy was his grandchildren, and he looked forward to speaking with them daily. Don had a gift of making friends wherever he went and he will be remembered fondly by the lives he touched.

Don is survived by his beloved wife of 60 years, Louella Simmons of Independence, Iowa; his sons, Jeff (RoseMary) Simmons of San Antonio, Texas, Greg (Nina) Simmons of rural Quasqueton, Iowa; and his daughter, Jenny (Eric) Shonka of Omaha, Nebraska. He will be fondly remembered by his six cherished grandchildren, Christina Simmons, Elissa Simmons, Alissa (Jedd) Spidell, Jacob Lewis, Logan Shonka, and Isabelle Shonka.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Merle and Ruth Simmons.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in his memory to the Buchanan County Wildlife Association.

Condolences may be left at www.White-MtHope.com.
White Funeral Home, Independence, IA, is in charge of arrangements.