Donald Dewayne Simmons

Donald DeWayne Simmons, 51, of Syracuse, died Sunday evening, July 7, 2013 at IU Health Goshen Hospital following a lengthy illness. Donald was born July 19, 1961 in Portsmouth, Virginia. On May 26, 1984 he married Johanna Rump at St.Vincent DePaul Catholic Church, Elkhart. She survives along with his parents, Paul and Carol (Jump) Simmons, of Goshen; and two brothers, Jon (Vicki Krogh) Simmons, of Elkhart, and David (Ingrid Franke), of Goshen. He is also survived by several nieces and nephews, and a great nephew. Donald graduated from Concord High School, 1979 and attended Purdue University. He enlisted in U.S. Army from 1980 - 1986. He graduated from Indiana University with a degree in Political Science. He later earned a Masters Degree in Theological Letters from Indiana University. He was a licensed nursing home administrator and worked for a number of years for Beverly Enterprises. He attended Missionary Alliance Church and was a member of the Missionary Church. He was a member and treasurer of the Rotary Club of Syracuse. Donald was a great lover of religion, knowledge, and politics. He enjoyed a healthy debate. His greatest love, aside from Johanna, were his two dogs, Neo and Sammy, but most of all the Chicago Cubs. Friends may call from 2 to 4, and 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, July 11, 2013 at Yoder-Culp Funeral Home, Goshen, where a 10 a.m. Friday, July 12, 2013 funeral will take place. Cremation will take place following the funeral at Yoder-Culp Crematory. Memorial contributions may be directed to Wounded Warrior Project or USO.