Mr. Claude M. Simmons, 97, of Franklin, West Virginia passed away Thursday, November 5, 2015 at Sentara RMH Medical Center in Harrisonburg, VA. Claude was born August 2, 1918 in the Cave Community and was the son of the late Charles E. and Jennie Florence (Rexrode) Simmons. He spent his early years working on farms and in the logging industry. He joined the WVDOH in 1960 and retired from there in 1980. Claude was a member of the St. John Lutheran Church in Moyers. He was an avid gardener and spent many hours tending his plants and fruit trees, always eager to share his harvest. He took great pride in keeping up his farm and helping out his children, grandchildren and others. Known to be a witty man with a good work ethic, Claude was fortunate to enjoy good health through most of his life. On September 21, 1957, he married Barbara (Rexrode) Simmons who survives. Surviving in addition to his wife are - One Daughter - Terry Simmons of Harrisonburg, Virginia Two Sons - Kent and his wife, Jennifer Simmons of Franklin, WV Brad Simmons of Elkins, WV Five Grandchildren - Brittany Gumm and her husband, Brad Kelsey Simmons Vanessa Simmons Dustin Simmons Philip Simmons One Great-Grandson - Liam Gumm One Step-Great-Grandson - Brayden Friend One Sister - Glenna Harper and her husband, Norman of Bridgewater, VA And Numerous Nieces and Nephews Preceding him in death were four brothers - Elbert, Edwin, Olin and Leo Simmons, four sisters - Stella Koontz, Lona Warner, Lillian Puffenbarger, Dorothy Simmons and a daughter-in-law - Marsha Simmons The family will receive friends at Kimble Funeral Home in Franklin from 12:00 Noon until 2:00 PM Sunday, November 8. A funeral service will be conducted at 2:00 PM in the funeral home chapel with Pastors Jason and Jess Felici officiating. Interment will be at Cedar Hill Cemetery in Franklin, West Virginia. Memorials may be made to St. John Lutheran Church, 26 Back Thorn Road, Sugar Grove, WV 26815 or Pendleton County Rescue, P. O. Box 727, Franklin, WV 26807. Randall Halterman, Andy Moyers, Travis Moyers, Lynn Nelson, Rick Day, Dustin Simmons and Jeff Harper will serve as his pallbearers. Honorary pallbearers will be Mark Rexrode, Brad Gumm, Brian Jamison, Noah Nelson and Jared Nelson. Immediately following the committal service, family and friends will gather for a fellowship meal at St. John Lutheran Church at Moyers.