Doug Simmons

James Douglas "Doug" Simmons, 61, of Charleston, Mo., died at 8:15 a.m. Friday, Sept. 3, 2010, at Saint Francis Medical Center in Cape Girardeau.

He was born Dec. 2, 1948, in Cairo, Ill., and had lived in Charleston his entire life. After graduating from St. Henry Catholic High School in 1967, he entered the Marine Corps and served his country in Vietnam. Following his discharge from the Marine Corps, he graduated from Southeast Missouri State University with a degree in horticulture. He had been owner and operator of Simmons Hometown Nursery in Charleston since 1975. A member of St. Henry Catholic Church, he was an active member of his parish and member of the choir. Doug was a 4th Degree Grand Knight and lifetime member of the Knights of Columbus. He was a fun-loving man who enjoyed playing golf and making his "Better than Vinegar" homemade wine. He will be sadly missed by both family and friends.

Surviving are his fiancee, Mary Kay Smith of Charleston; his children, Luke (Lindsey) Simmons of Fort Thomas, Ky., and Amy (Neal) Thompson of Hartsburg, Mo.; one granddaughter, Olivia Rose Thompson, born Aug., 15, 2010, of Hartsburg; his mother and stepfather, Mabel and Glen Tenkhoff of Oran; one sister, Sharon (Chris) Naas of Bardwell, Ky.

He is also survived by his stepmother, Joy Jean Simmons of Commerce, Mo.; brothers, James D. (Mary) Simmons II of Benton, Norman (Dawn) Sander of Oahu, Hawaii, Mark (Brenda) Sander of New Hamburg, Mo., Keith (Pam) Sander of Cape Girardeau and Scott (Debbie) Sander of Commerce; sisters, Sherre Sue Simmons and Regina Sander, both of Commerce; 12 nephews; and six nieces.

He was preceded in death by his father, James David Simmons, and two brothers, Timothy J. Simmons and Kevin Eugene Sander.

Visitation is scheduled from 4:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 7, 2010, at McMikle Funeral Home in Charleston, where prayers will be recited at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday.

Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Wednesday, Sept. 8, 2010, at St. Henry Catholic Church in Charleston. The Rev. Glenn Eftink, pastor of St. Henry Catholic Church, Monsignor Richard Rolwing of Cape Girardeau and the Rev. Michael Castelle, pastor of St. Denis Catholic Church, will serve as celebrants.

Interment will follow in the Texas Bend Cemetery under the direction of McMikle Funeral Home.

The family requests that memorial contributions be made to St. Henry Parish, 304 Court St., Charleston, MO 63834.

Online condolences may be shared at www.mcmiklefuneralhome.com.