Wayne Simmons

Wayne S. Simmons, 71 of Idaho falls; father, brother, and friend to just about everyone, passed away June 21, 2016 peacefully in his sleep surrounded by loved ones. He was born May 17, 1945 to Glen and Murel Simmons and grew up in Lorenzo, Idaho with his nine brothers and sisters. He was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, serving in the Sunday school, activities committee, and was a home teacher. He graduated from Rigby High School in 1963. In 1967, he married Collete G Byington, they later divorced. In 1973, he married LuAnne Reneau, they later divorced. Wayne was a jack of all trades. He spent most of his career as an operating engineer and was a member of the Operating Engineers Union. He was a foreman for Clark Brothers and worked with heavy equipment for Beco Construction Inc. and HK Construction. He enjoyed spending time on his property in Ashton; exploring the outdoors, going for drives, camping, hunting, fishing, reading, playing cards, and spending time with his family. Wayne always enjoyed a good nap! And it was important to him to spoil his grandchildren at Christmas and on birthdays. One of his favorite pastimes was going to the Rigby High School basketball games with his children or his dear friend Dennis – often going to great lengths to get there! Although he was a great storyteller, he could rarely tell a story without bursting into contagious laughter, which would trickle over to everyone around him. We can picture him now, looking down on us, laughing as we share and reminisce about the good times. Wayne is survived by his children, Tona Church of Post Falls, Idaho; Edward (Kellie) Olsen of Idaho Falls, Idaho; Shannon (Kurt) Lamprecht of Hailey, Idaho; Adam (Liz) Simmons of Rigby; Idaho, Audrey (Ryan) Wolfensberger of Rigby, Idaho; Daniel (Hannah) Simmons of Rigby, Idaho; Michelle (Jared) Nadauld of Idaho Falls, Idaho; Steven (Janny Stratichuk) Simmons of Moscow, Idaho; and Rebecca (Nathan) Owen of St. George, Utah; twenty-one grandchildren and one great-grandchild; siblings, Glenda Coles, Belt, Montana, Jeanette (Richard) Fowler, Idaho Falls, Idaho, Jack (Pat) Simmons, Mesa, Arizona, Terry (Darla) Simmons, Tacoma, Washington. He was preceded in death by his parents Glen and Murel Simmons, and siblings, Lyle, Jerry, Delta, Rosalie and Diane. We love and miss you Pa Wayne! Until we meet again! Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, June 25, 2016 at the LaBelle 4th Ward LDS Chapel (4223 E. 528 N., Rigby, ID). The family will receive friends from 7 to 8:30 p.m., Friday at Eckersell Memorial Chapel (101 W. Main Street, Rigby, ID) and from 9:30 to 10:45 a.m., prior to services at the church. Burial will be in the Annis Little Butte Cemetery. Services are under the care of Eckersell Memorial Chapel in Rigby.