Lynn Coulson Simmons
Lynn Coulson Simmons, 84, formerly of Pocatello, passed away from natural causes Sunday, April 30, 2017 in Idaho Falls with his daughter, Sherry, and son-in law, Mark, lovingly at his side.
Lynn was born in Spanish Fork, Utah on June 7, 1932, to Frank Clayson Simmons and Emma Arelda Coulson Simmons. He was second oldest of seven children, two of which were his aunts who were raised as part of their family. He loved and adored both of his young aunts. He lost his mother to Peritonitis when he was eight years old.
During his youth he worked on his parent's farm, taking care of the animals, gardening, picking raspberries and strawberries that were sold to help support the family. He remembered learning how to drive a tractor when he was five to help his dad in the fields. Life was hard during the depression and he learned at a very early age that if you didn't take care of your garden, cow, chickens, etc. you wouldn't have anything to eat. He had a great work ethic something he passed on to his own children.
Lynn earned his GED so he could find a good job, but enlisted in the army during the Korean Conflict. He was proud to serve his country and always stood in support of the American flag passing by or singing when the National Anthem was played. He truly loved this country and was proud to be called a Veteran. After serving in the army he married the love of his life, Irene Elizabeth Johnson, on July 12, 1951. Their marriage was solemnized for time and all eternity in the Idaho Falls LDS Temple in 1994. Together they raised four children in Pocatello, where he worked for 38 years at F.M.C.
During his early years with the company he decided he wanted to be an engineer. He went to night school attending ISU and earned his associates degree in Engineering. He went on to develop and register two patents for the F.M.C. plant intended to help with the efficiency in which the plant was run. He truly enjoyed the responsibilities he had and the people he worked with.
Lynn provided well for his family taking an early retirement at 57 to buy and develop property in Pocatello and the surrounding area. He taught his children to work hard and contribute to the family, something we have always appreciated and are eternally grateful for. It was due to his early retirement that mom and dad were able to travel, ride motorcycles together, and square dance with the Choo Choo's. They spent winters in their Arizona home where they danced, played golf, and totally enjoyed being with each other. Dad's heart literally broke with mom's passing in 2014. Due to heart failure, he has resided with his daughter and family in Idaho Falls.
Lynn is survived by his daughter, Sherry (Mark) Paulsen, Idaho Falls, ID; sons, Richard (Marilyn) Simmons, Fresno, CA and Frank Lynn (Shiela -deceased) Simmons, Pocatello, ID; sister, Flora Grover, Idaho Falls, ID; brother, Frank A (Barbara) Simmons, Layton, Utah; 14 grandchildren, 21 great-grandchildren, and 1 great-great-grandchild. He also has many nieces and nephews he loves dearly. He was preceded in death by his loving wife of 65 years, Irene E. Simmons; daughter, Maureen Wickham; daughter in law, Shiela Bieker Simmons; grandsons, Brandon Richard Paulsen and Corey Bieker; his parents; 2 sisters, Emma Taylor and Arelda Clark; 2 aunts (like sisters) Laura Scott and Mary Sleutter.
A viewing will be held on Friday, May 5, 2017 from 6-8 pm at Colonial Funeral Home, 2005 S. 4th Ave. Pocatello, ID.
Funeral services will be on Saturday, May 6, 2017 at 2 pm at the Highland LDS 4th Ward Chapel, 2300 Butte St. Pocatello, ID 83201, with a viewing for one hour prior.
Burial will follow at Mountain View Cemetery, 1520 S. 5th Ave. Pocatello, ID. 83204.
Condolences may be made at www.colonial-funeralhome.com