John Edward Simmons (Age 68) of Waldorf, Maryland.

John Edward Simmons was the son of the late James Robert and Beatrice Jones Simmons and was born on October 17, 1948 in Boydton, VA. John resided in Waldorf, MD when he succumbed to a long-term illness on October 4, 2017.

John attended East End High School in South Hill, VA and graduated in 1968. Shortly after graduation, he was drafted into the U.S. Army (Infantry) on February 19, 1969 where he fought in the Vietnam Era War. John was honorably discharged on December 29, 1969 due to a disabling injury he sustained in combat. He was a member of DAV Colonel Charles Young Chapter 83 in Washington, D.C. John earned the Vietnam Service Medal and the Purple Heart. He was awarded the National Defense Service Medal; Republic Vietnam Campaign Medal w/Device 1960 and Marksman (M-14 Rifle). John later worked as an orderly at the Washington Hospital Center and then was hired as a Postal Clerk for the U.S. Postal Service where he served for 23 years. While working full-time, he received some college credits from Montgomery College in Rockville, MD. John joined his family church, Lands Chapel in Boydton, VA at a young age and later in life joined the Ebenezer AME Church in Fort Washington, MD.

John married his high school sweetheart Mary, whom he affectionately called Ann. Their courtship began when he escorted her to their Junior Prom. John and Ann were married for 47 years and he often jokingly said to her, "Ann, what do you want to fuss at me about now?" From that union, they had two daughters, Michelle and Erica. John was fun, smart, loving and family oriented. He enjoyed fishing, camping, going to the casino, playing cards, listening to music, specifically "The Bama Hour" from the past, looking at old western movies, playing his guitar and harmonica, waxing the car, spending time in his man cave "The Garage" and attending family cook-outs. In his earlier years, he enjoyed bowling and joined a league where he earned countless trophies. John devoted much of his time to his family. His proudest accomplishments were the times he was actively engaged in his children's activities, exposing them to all types of things they would later cherish such as horseback riding, ice skating and swimming just to name a few. He instilled strong values and morals in his children and taught them to be independent and responsible women. It warmed his heart to see his girls grow up and become devoted wives and loving mothers to their own children. He often shared with his children and grandchildren childhood stories about being raised on a farm. One of his favorite sayings to his children was "When I hit the big one (meaning the lottery) I got you baby."  John will be mostly remembered for his strong and relentless dedication to his girls. He was also considered a second father to many of his nieces and nephews. John knew the importance of family and has impacted so many different lives over the years. He was truly loved and will be missed.

Memories of John will be cherished by his devoted and loving wife Mary Ann Simmons, his daughters Michelle V. Dacanay and Erica L. Poindexter of Clinton, MD; two sons-in- law, Patrick Dacanay and David J. Poindexter Jr. of Clinton, MD; three grandchildren, Jenee' N. Whittenburg of East Orange, NJ, David J. Poindexter III (DJ) and Jason Dacanay of Clinton, MD; and three great-grandchildren, Kelsea, Ezekiel and Elijah Brea of East Orange, NJ. He is also survived by his sisters Rozelle Watkins of Boydton, VA and Dee Fuller of La Plata, MD; his brothers-in-law and sisters in-law, Herman Moore, Emma and George Burton, James and Maxine Moore, Rose and Ronald Merritte, Brenda Walker and Kenney Moore including a hosts of nephews, nieces, cousins and friends. John was preceded in death by his three brothers, Frank, Allen, and Mack Simmons and four sisters, Carrie Moaning, Mary Lou Simmons, Dorothy Walker and Lucy Walker.

Viewing, 10:00 a.m. until time of Service, 11:00 a.m., Tuesday, October 17, 2017, Mt. Ennon Baptist Church, 9832 Piscataway Road, Clinton, Maryland 20735.

Interment, Wednesday, October 18, 2017 at 9:30 a.m., Maryland Veteran Cemetery, 11301 Crain Highway, Cheltenham, Maryland 20623.

Local hotel accommodations are available, Monday, October 16, 2017 and Tuesday, October 17, 2017 at Country Inn & Suites, 2555 Business Park Court, Waldorf, Maryland 20601. For more information please call (301) 645-6595.