Earl Simmons

Earl Simmons, 84 of Martin, SD passed away on December 31, 2022, at Bennett County Hospital. He was born March 3, 1938, at the family farm in rural Bennett County to Delia (Bartlett) and Van Simmons.

He graduated high school at Bennett County in 1956. After graduation he went Igloo, SD and worked at installing highline poles in Wyoming and South Dakota.

Earl was united in marriage with Sandra Soderlin of Martin, SD on August 28, 1961. He was drafted into the US Army also in 1961. They made their first home in El Paso, Texas, where Earl was stationed. Soon, a son was born Douglas Loren.

In 1963 Earl moved his family back to Martin, SD where he built his first home for his family. Three more children were born to this union: Dwight David, Darcy Dee, and Delinda Lou. Later in life, Earl married Verlene Beck. Verlene had daughters: Tracy (Gary)Jones, Custer, SD, Vicki (Richard) Ballard, Gordon, NE, Deanne (Mel) Armstrong, Waukesha, WI, Nikki (Scott) Shald, Lafeyette, CO, and Jennifer (David) Ladoucer, North Platte, NE. They had 16 grandchildren and 16 great grandchildren.

Earl retired from the Soil Conservation Service with 30 years of service. He was a member of the Bennett County School Board, the District Conservation Board and a proud member of the American Legion Post 240. Earl was an avid bowler and enjoyed many years of bowling on several leagues. He was always ready to pick up a fishing pole or ball to go play. He loved working with wood and in addition to building his first home, that still stands today, he also made beautiful home décor.

Earl had a wonderful and generous heart and remained humble throughout his days. He showed his strength through his quit presence. He will always remain in our hearts.

He is survived by two sons: Douglas (Karen), Redfield SD, Dwight (Bill), Tucson AZ, two daughters, Darcy (Tim) Selzler, Aberdeen, SD, and Delinda Simmons Allen SD. Three granddaughters: Sara (Mitch) Hupp, LuVerne, MN, Jessica (Jonnathan) Huber, Parmalee, SD, Sandi Kleeman, Vermillion, SD Four grandsons: Layne (Cassie) Sharp, Allen SD, Derek Simmons, Sioux Falls SD, Sean and Simon Bickford, Aberdeen, SD. And 11 great grandchildren. Two sisters: Doreen (Lynn) McCoy, Martin SD, Elda Johnson, Coleville, WA, Three brothers: Vernon (Donna), Denver, CO, Elmer (Sharon), Allen SD, and Walter (Lucy) Gordon NE.

Earl was preceded in death by his wife Verlene, parents Van and Delia Simmons, son-in-law Gerald Sharp, grandchild Eric Hunter brothers Lyle Blare, Alvin Simmons, and two sisters Isabelle Blare (died in infancy), and Beatrice McCoy.

Funeral Services will be held on Friday June 2, 2023, and 10am at the New American Legion Martin SD. Military gravesite rites and burial will follow the service at the Martin Community Cemetery. In lieu of flowers Earl and family would greatly appreciate any memorials or donations be donated to C.H.A.R.T. of Bennett County, SD.