Lee M. Simmons, 100, of rural Leona, died peacefully Tuesday morning, March 1, 2016, at Hiawatha Community Hospital.  He had been a resident of Maple Heights Nursing Home in Hiawatha for a few months prior to hospitalization.

Lee was born at Richfield, MO, November 3, 1915, the youngest of five children born to William and Pearl Fancher Simmons.  When he was 3 years of age, the family moved across the river and settled on the Reservation near White Cloud, where he later attended Highland High School.

Lee married Erma Corbet, February 19, 1934, at St. Joseph, MO.  They lived around the Leona area all of their married life where they farmed and raised livestock.  She died April 15, 2009.  He was also preceded in death by his parents; a son John Albert Simmons December 13, 2002; a granddaughter; and a great-great-grandson; three brothers, and a sister.

Lee was a longtime member of Bellevue United Methodist Church of rural Leona and had attended for several years the Lighthouse Fellowship, near White Cloud. He was a faithful member of Smithton Lodge #1, AF&AM of Highland; Vanderslice Chapter of the Order of Eastern Star of Highland until it closed. He enjoyed hunting; received numerous farming awards through the years; was selected Mason of the Year in Blue Lodge; and was Worthy Patron for six years of Eastern Star.

Survivors include a son Paul Simmons (Mary) of rural Leona; three daughters:  Ula May Drake of rural Leona, Erma Lee Monhollon (John) of Cortland, NE, Linda Sue Pratt (Nelson) of Meriden, KS; 21 grandchildren; 34 great-grandchildren; 20 great-great-grandchildren.

A Celebration of Lee’s life is planned for 2:30 p.m. Saturday, March 5, at Chapel Oaks Funeral Home in Highland.  Pastor Jerry Petering of Bellevue United Methodist Church of Leona, will officiate.  Masonic Committal Service will be a courtesy of Smithton Lodge #1, AF&AM.   Interment will follow at Pleasant Hill Cemetery, north of Leona.

Friends may call at the funeral home after 10 a.m. Friday where the family will meet from 6 until 8 that evening.

Memorial contributions are suggested to the Highland Fire Dept., Highland Ambulance, or Highland Senior Citizens Center, which may be sent in care of the funeral home, PO Box 33, 66035.  A special message or remembrance may be sent to the family at to www.chapeloaksfuneralhome.com