Elba C. "Junior Simmons, 61, Carthage, MO passed away Monday, December 21, 2009 in Decatur, Arkansas. Junior Simmons was born May 1, 1948 in Carthage, MO, the son of Elba C. Simmons, Sr. and Vivian V. (Hopper) Simmons. He was a graduate of Carthage Senior High School, Class of 1966. He married , wife Deania, on April 12, 1967 in Carthage. Junior was a truck driver with Ray Simmons Trucking, Inc. for over 30 years and was currently driving for Doug Pugh Trucking, Inc., Carthage. Junior enjoyed raising and racing quarter horses. He loved fishing, hunting, cutting wood to enjoy the company of a quiet fire. He was a member of the Army National Guard, Carthage and was an active member of the American Quarter Horse Association. He will be greatly missed by family and friends who loved him dearly. Survivors include his wife, Deania, of the home; a daughter, Janice Diane Simmons Wayman and husband, Stephen, Platte City, MO; five sisters, Murlean Bolas and husband, Jim, Overland Park, KS, Doris Greninger and husband, Harry, Carthage, Helen Box and husband, Mervin, Kent, WA, Nita Hartman and husband, Al, Carthage, Viki Simmons and husband, Joy Eisenhauer, Carthage; one brother, Ray Simmons and wife, Sandy, Carthage; a brother-in-law, Don Porter, Pittsburg, KS; numerous nieces and nephews. Junior was preceded in death by his parents, one sister, Carolyn Porter, Pittsburg, KS and one brother, Ralph Simmons, Mesa AZ. Visitation will be held for 6:00 – 7:00 PM, Wednesday, December 23, at Knell Mortuary, Carthage. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 AM, Thursday, December 24 in the Knell Mortuary Chapel. Rev. Joy Eisenhauer will officiate. Burial will be in Park Cemetery, Carthage. Arrangements are under the direction and personal care of Knell Mortuary, Carthage, MO.