Harold E. Simmons

Harold E. Simmons, 89, (Hal, as many knew him) was born to Gay and Mildred (Arnold) Simmons on August 21, 1934, and passed away Wednesday, December 6, 2023. Hal was a unique mix of quiet and reserved, yet fiercely powerful in his determination. He was unassuming yet well respected for both his leadership and effectiveness. Hal could be very demanding, yet filled with generosity and love. He was a loyal friend, a trusted and valued leader, a tough but fair task master that expected no less than he was willing to give, a supportive and caring father with high expectations, and a cherished and loved grandfather. Hal's life was a testament to his faith in God, his devotion to his Granger community and Granger United Methodist Church, as well as his love for his wife, Betty and his family, along with his pursuit of honor and perfection in all he did. The youngest of four brothers, he lost his mother at an early age. He grew in character and faith by the example of his father, Gay, and his older brothers. He loved sports and 4-H as a youth making friends that he had until the end of his life. Most importantly, he met a lovely lively spitfire from Chatham named Betty Arters who would change his life trajectory forever. He became a skilled mason and raised three successful sons, who with his help and encouragement, all received the prestigious Eagle Scout honor. He and his older brother, Don and later sons, David and Bill created a well-respected and valued company serving the growth and building needs of Medina County and Northeast Ohio. Simmons Brothers Construction Company was the epitome of quality, fairness, and excellence, just like Harold. He was humbled but honored to be inducted into the Greater Medina Chamber Commerce Hall of Fame in 2010, attesting to his contributions to the community. An avid sports fan, Harold supported all Cleveland professional, college, and Medina County teams. He attended the many sports activities of all his children and grandchildren. Harold had an uncanny memory for sport names and team statistics. He could always be counted on for the detailed information of any sporting event he followed. After retirement he pursued his interests, lived in the home he and Betty designed and built and landscaped with his beloved roses, hosted many events and gatherings for family and friends, and continued to serve his community and church in leadership roles. After receiving a diagnosis of Parkinson's Disease, ever the warrior overcoming obstacles and creating pathways, he battled his disease for decades walking hundreds of park trails, using woodworking skills to create beautiful pieces of furniture for his family, and never ever giving up, complaining, or losing his faith in God. His family is blessed to have had him in their lives, witnessed his work ethic, proudly watched his success grow due to hard work and pride in the Simmons name, and to have received his love and generosity. We thank God for his life, and we know he is finally free from all his pain and physical afflictions. His was a challenging, successful, God focused, community caring, and family centered life well lived and beautifully loved. Harold was preceded in death by his wife, Betty (Arters); brothers, Bernie, Bob, and Don; and his grandson, Jay. He leaves behind with great admiration and love, his sons, Chet (Jan), David (Mary) and Kent (Margaret); grandchildren, Whitney Harkavy (Zach), Quinn Behler (James), Matt O'Donnell (Aeron), Maggie Pettry (Jerry), Mason (Jon), Michael, Elizabeth, and John; and great-grandchildren, Stella and Sloane Harkavy, Everett and Jett Behler, and Isla Pettry. The Simmons family is deeply appreciative of Western Reserve Masonic skilled nursing staff for their excellent care. The family will receive friends Sunday, December 10, 2023, from 3 to 7 p.m. in Waite & Son Funeral Home, 765 N. Court Street, Medina. A funeral service will be held in Granger United Methodist Church, 1235 Granger Rd., Medina on Monday, December 11, 2023, at 10 a.m. In lieu of flowers, donations in Hal's memory would be gratefully accepted by Ohio Parkinson Foundation NE Region, P.O. Box 31907, Independence, OH 44131-4854. Online condolences and memories may be shared at www.waitefuneralhome.com