Kenneth Simmons Obituary

Kenneth I. Simmons

Sep 8, 1956 - Aug 11, 2022

Columbus, Ohio

Kenneth I. Simmons, 66, of Columbus, departed his earthly plane Thursday, Aug. 11, 2022, and gained his heavenly wings at Ohio State University Hospital after a brief illness.

Kenneth was the first-born son of Flossie and Wadell Simmons Sr., born Sept. 8, 1956, in Sandusky. He graduated from Sandusky High School in 1974 and after a brief stint at Davis Business School, he enlisted in U.S. Army from 1975-1978. While in the military, Kenneth graduated from U.S. Army Police Academy and served as a military policeman. Kenneth also attended Lorain Community College, majoring in Police Science. These choices led to a career in law enforcement through Perkins Police Department and eventually Sandusky Police Force. Kenneth was the second African-American patrolman ever hired by City of Sandusky. Kenneth later became a corrections officer at Grafton Correctional Facility. During the second act in his life, public service continued to be a staple of his character through facilitating NA meetings, supporting his contemporaries, and receiving his Peer Support Certification. Kenneth had no difficulty sharing his journey in recovery to motivate other people to do better. Kenneth was beloved by his friends in recovery located in Niles, Youngstown, and Columbus. Kenneth (Pops) Simmons loved his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, giving them all a love of donuts, candy, cakes, Tahitian treat, ice cream, and hamburgers. One of the most enduring legacies Pops left us with was his love of movies. Pops took everyone to the movies, starting his children's love of horror, comedy, and westerns. Even the grandkids got in on the fun although he would fall asleep during the movie.

Kenneth is survived by his mother, Flossie J. Simmons of Sandusky; sons, Kenneth D. Simmons of Columbus, and Vincent I. Simmons and Thirkee D. Simmons, both of Sandusky; daughter, Kendra Johnson of Sandusky; brother, Wadell (Michelle) Simmons of Toledo; sisters, Katherine Simmons of Sandusky, Tanya Simmons of Elyria, Carrie (Shawn) Moss of Dublin, Ohio, and Hope (Gordon) English of Livonia, Michigan; 12 grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; special nephew, Chistopher Aarron, who never missed a movie; several nieces and nephews who he loved and cherished; special cousins, Wanda Shoulders, Clifford Hancock, and Anthony Simmons, who were his partners until the music stopped; and special friend, Dianne Gill, who the family would like to thank for adding to Kenneth's well-deserved happiness.

Kenneth was preceded in death by his father, Wadell Simmons Sr.; and niece, Mya Herandez.

Friends may call 11 a.m. Friday, Aug. 19, 2022, until the time of Kenneth's funeral at 12 p.m. at Emmanuel Temple Church, 128 East Adams Street, Sandusky, Ohio, 44870.

In remembrance of Kenneth I. Simmons life, the family asks that any charitable donations be made to your local Narcotics Anonymous.

Toft Funeral Home & Crematory, 2001 Columbus Ave., Sandusky, is handling arrangements. Condolences may be made to the family by visiting toftfuneralhome.com.