Howard "Gene" Eugene Simmons, age 65, of Farina, Illinois passed away at 6:14 p.m. Tuesday, January 11, 2022 at home, surrounded by his family.

Funeral service will be at 1:30 p.m. Saturday, January 15, 2022 at Pagel Funeral Homes in Edgewood, Illinois with a one-hour viewing prior to the service. Gene McAllister will be officiating. Burial will be at Keen's Chapel Cemetery in Farina. Visitation will be from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, January 14, 2022 at Pagel Funeral Homes in Edgewood. Memorials may go to Farina Ambulance Service or the donor's choice.

Howard was born on January 20, 1956 in Effingham, Illinois, the son of Howard G. Hites and Gladys I. Simmons. He married Vickie Lynn Potter on February 15, 1974 at the Farina Baptist Church. Howard was an EMT for the Farina Ambulance Service for 25 years. He was Deacon at Meacham Baptist Church as well as a Sunday school teacher. He loved fishing, mushroom hunting, and making memories with his family and friends.

Howard is survived by his wife, Vickie Simmons of Farina; daughters, Connie Willis of Farina and Crystal Cole (husband Michael) of LaClede; brothers, Wes Simmons (wife Sharon) of St. Peter and Al Butts of Kinmundy; six grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Howard Hites and Gladys Simmons; one great-grandchild, Scarlett Huston, and 2 grandchildren, who died in infancy.