Gary Wayne Simmons , age 65 and a lifelong resident of rural Elwood, passed away on Tuesday, August 3, 2021 at St. Vincent Hospital in Indianapolis following a short battle with Covid-19.  He was born July 8, 1956 in Elwood, the son of Phillip E. and Marjorie A. (Skillman) Simmons.  Gary was a 1974 graduate of Frankton High School before earning his bachelor's degree from Wabash College.  He went on to graduate with a law degree from the University of Tulsa School of Law.  Gary married Patricia Ann Long on March 14, 1981, and they shared over 40 years of marriage together.  Gary currently worked as the County Extension Director for Madison County through the Purdue Extension Office for the past 19 years.  He was devoted to the Madison County 4-H program and even worked in the 2021 fair activities just weeks ago before his illness.

Gary served as the current pastor of Shiloh Friends Church for over 20 years.  Gary formerly practiced law in Elwood at Simmons and VanBriggle Law Office and worked as a deputy prosecutor for Madison County early in his career.  He raised livestock all of his life on his family's farm and enjoyed nothing more than spending time on the farm with his family.  Gary also worked as an auctioneer for many years both on his own and with Maurice Wittkamper Auctions.  Gary was a longtime member and Past Master of the Quincy Masonic Lodge #230 in Elwood.  He was also a former board member and past president of the Frankton-Lapel School Board.  In his free time, Gary enjoyed watching the Indianapolis Colts and Indianapolis Pacers.  More than anything, Gary's family and grandchildren were the most important blessing of his life.  He will be greatly missed.

Gary's family legacy includes his wife, Patricia A. "Pat" Simmons of Elwood; daughter, Brittany (husband Mitch) Street of Alexandria; twin granddaughters, Leila Street and Landree Street; and brothers and sisters-in-law, Darrel (wife Mary Ellen) Long, Leatha (husband Dennis) Robinson, Kathryn (husband Mike) Humphrey, Pam (husband Jim) Coots, and Sandy (husband Kevin) Fern.  Gary was preceded in death by his parents.

A funeral service celebrating Gary's life will be conducted at 11:00 am on Wednesday, August 11, 2021 at Copher-Fesler-May Funeral Home in Elwood with Pastor Terry Sheets and Pastor Billy Sheets officiating.  Burial will follow in Forrestville Cemetery in rural Summitville.  Visitation for family and friends will be held from 2:00 pm to 8:00 pm on Tuesday, August 10, 2021 at Copher-Fesler-May Funeral Home in Elwood with a Masonic Memorial Service at 7:00 pm.   Precautions for the health and safety of all visitors are appreciated along with social distancing.  Memorial contributions are suggested to the Madison County 4-H Program through the funeral home.  Online condolences and memories may be shared at copherfeslermay.com.