Morris Simmons (1916 – 2006)

Morris Louis Simmons, age 89, died at Kenosha Hospital on Sunday, February 12, 2006, following a courageous battle with kidney failure.

Morris was born March 6, 1916 in Lexington Mississippi to the late Ben and Polly Ann (Gideons) Simmons. Morris was proud of his Black/Seminole Indian heritage, which he shared with his wife Minerva Breit, and daughter Paula. At age 21, Morris relocated from Mississippi to Chicago IL to acquire work ? the North held promise. Morris found work and the love of his life Minerva. They married in 1954 and were bless with a daughter Paula Ann on January 6, 1955.

With all of the turmoil and tension in the big city of Chicago, Morris and Minerva were encouraged by friends to relocate and made a decision to move to Kenosha WI in 1966 with the intent to give the family a better and safer life. Morris never regretted his decision. Morris commuted for many years to Clayton and Mark in Evanston IL, were he held the position of floor inspector. Morris eventually joined Snap-On Tools where he held the position of floor inspector until his retirement in 1984.

Morris was a member of St. Peter?s Catholic Church. He enjoyed discussing politics, reading John Grisham novels and especially eating fried catfish from Cracker Barrel. He also enjoyed gazing at Lake Michigan from the east shoreline near the former St. Catherine?s Hospital.

Morris is survived by his wife Minerva (Mickey)of Kenosha, his daughter Paula (William) ?Bill? Blise of Kenosha, his sister Carrye Goram and nephew Adrian Goram, three grandchildren and 19 nieces and nephews . In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by one brother Jim and two sisters Pecolia and Lennie.

A Mass of Christian Burial for Mr. Simmons will be held on Saturday February 18, 2006 at 10:00AM at St. Peter Catholic Church in Kenosha. Visitation will be held on Saturday at the church from 9:00AM until the time of service. Burial will follow at Sunset Ridge Memorial Park.

Morris was a very private and proud person who was guided by the credo “God bless the Child that’s got his own”