Ned Simmons, 80 of Marseilles, Ill., formerly of Lafayette, died Thursday, July 23, in Rivershores Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, Marseilles.

He was born Sept 3, 1917 in Archibald, Ohio.

He was married May 25, 1940 to Florence Ruth Irons in Monon and she survives.

He retired from the Purdue grounds department in 1981, and was the grounds foreman for president Arthur Hansen's estate for many years. He was also a volunteer firefighter with the Monon Fire Department for several years.

Mr Simmons was a member of the Bedford Presbyterian church, where he served as an elder and was the sexton of the Bedford Cemetery for many years.

Survivors are a son, James P. Simmons of Bowling Green, Ky.; three daughters, Mrs Dan (Elsie) Goodin, Indianapolis, Mrs William (Frances K.) Hess of Ottawa, Ill, and Mrs Jim (Mary) Humston of Kentucky Lake, Ky.; and a sister Mrs Herbert (Betty) Baerlin of LaFeria, Texas.

Other survivors include 10 grandchildren, 18 great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by a son, Thomas Michael; a daughter, Kathleen in infancy; a granddaughter, Laura Spencer in infancy and 3 brothers, Robert, Bill and Paul.

Services were Monday at the Monon United Methodist Church. Interment was in Bedford Cemetery. The Soller-Baker Funeral home, Lafayette was in charge.

Gladfelter Funeral Home, Ottawa, Ill, handled local arrangements.