Richard Leroy Simmons, 76, of Festus died May 5, 2026, at his home. Mr. Simmons graduated with a bachelor’s degree from Tennessee Temple University. He was a member of Faith Baptist Church, where he served as a deacon and a Sunday school teacher for 53 years. He retired at 55 from Pfizer, where he worked as a radiation chemistry tech and radiation safety officer. He rose to the highest position for chemistry tech at Monsanto and was published in a journal for solving a chemical process. He enjoyed softball, bowling, serving his church, watching Cardinals baseball and going to spring training in Florida and spending time with family. Born May 24, 1949, in Schwetzingen, Germany, he was the son of the late Ingeborg Elisabeth (Iwohn) and Leroy Henry Simmons.
He is survived by three siblings: Ronald C. (Elaine) Simmons of De Soto, Inga F. (Randy) Muller of Festus and Steven L. (Violanda) Simmons of Purvis, Miss.; an aunt: Mary Watson of Elyria, Ohio; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.
Visitation is scheduled from 11 a.m. until services at 1 p.m. today, May 11, at Faith Baptist Church, 11835 Hwy. CC, in Festus, 63028, officiated by Pastor Matt Culbertson. Burial will follow in Sandy Cemetery in Hillsboro. Memorials may be made to Faith Baptist Church. Arrangements are under the direction of Vinyard Funeral Home in Festus.