Ira W. Simmons, Jr., 93, of Ephrata, passed away on Tuesday, February 6, 2018, at Hospice and Community Care, Mount Joy.

He was born in Farmersville to the late Ira W. Sr., and Mamie J. (Sweigart) Simmons and was the husband of June L. (Ditzler) Simmons with whom he shared 67 years of marriage.

He was a member of Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, Ephrata.

Ira was a bricklayer by trade all of his life. He was a veteran of the US Army and served during WWII at the Battle of the Bulge. He was a member of Cocalico Post #3376 VFW and Cloister Post #429, American Legion. He loved spending time with his family and enjoyed hunting and reading.

In addition to his wife, Ira is survived by 5 children, Lorraine Deibler of Marietta, Elaine, wife of Michael Sernoffsky of Elizabethtown, Ronald, husband of Cindy Simmons of Leola, Rodney Simmons of Brownstown, Doreen, wife of Jason Kepple of Lancaster; 10 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a son, Russell Simmons; a grandson, Jason Deibler; a brother, Vernon Simmons and half-sister, Marcella Dyer.

A viewing will be held on Monday, February 19, 2018, from 1 to 2 PM at the Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, 167 E. Main Street, Ephrata, followed by funeral services at 2:00 PM with Pastor Karen Minnich-Sadler officiating. Interment will take place in the Cedar Hill Cemetery with military honors accorded by the Red Rose Veterans Honor Guard and Vet 21 Salute.

Memorial contributions in Ira's memory may be made to Hospice and Community Care P. O. Box 4125, Lancaster, PA, 17604.

Arrangements by Stradling Funeral Homes, Inc., Akron/Ephrata.