Richard K. Simonds, 95, of Colon, passed away on Wednesday, May 18, 2016 at the Laurels of Coldwater.
A private memorial service will be held at a later date. Interment will take place at Bronson Cemetery. The family is being cared for by Dutcher Funeral Home, Bronson Chapel.
Richard was born June 15, 1920 to LaVerne and Mary (Hahn) Simonds in Hillsdale. He joined the United States Army on October 22, 1941 and was discharged on October 7, 1945 having attained the rank of Pfc. He was involved in the Philippine Island Campaign, New Georgia Campaign and the Bougainville Campaign. He received the Philippine Liberation Ribbon with One Bronze Star, Purple Heart Medal, Asiatic Pacific Campaign Ribbon, Good Conduct Medal and the American Defense Service Ribbon.
He was a farmer in the Bronson area for most of his life and he also worked in maintenance at Wayne Cooperative in Coldwater for 30 years. Richard enjoyed farming, fishing, riding his motorcycle, reading western novels and working on his yard.
Richard is survived by his daughter, Cheryl (Richard) Heitger of Colon; his grandchildren, Rachelle (Jim) Nabozny of Vicksburg, Chad Simonds of Jonesville, Gary (Becky) Simonds of Coldwater, Joshua (Emily) Thrush of Howe, Indiana, Justin (Nicole) Thrush of Colorado Springs, Colorado and Brett Simonds of Atlanta, Georgia; his 9 great grandchildren; his sister, Beverly Sinclair of Hudson and he is also survived by many nieces and nephews. Richard was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Donna (Lint) Simonds, his two sons Gary and Joseph and by many brothers and sisters.
Memorials may be directed to the charity of one’s choice.