Dennis Calvin Simmons

Dennis Calvin Simmons, of Arbovale, passed away on February 24, 2026, following a short illness and will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him. He was a devoted husband, a proud father and Papaw, and a hardworking man who never hesitated to help those he loved.

Dennis was born on August 24, 1960, in Bartow, West Virginia, to Wallace and Norine Simmons. He was the third child and first son of seven children born to their union. He attended school in Green Bank and, as a teenager, began working alongside his dad cutting fence posts-work that helped shape the steady, determined man Dennis would become. As a young adult, he moved on to logging, and later spent a few years at the VEPCO dam operating a crane. In the late 1980s, Dennis returned to hauling logs for his dad and drove for more than 20 years. Around 2008, he chose to give up logging. He worked for Buster Varner for a short period of time, before joining Local 132 IUOE as a crane and equipment operator. He worked with Local 132 until his health forced him to retire in April 2024.

In 1979, Dennis met the love of his life, Kimberley Dean. They were married in August 1980, and to this union were born three children: Cassandra, Derek, and Treyson. For over 45 years, Dennis and Kim worked side by side building a life they were proud of-one rooted in faithfulness, hard work, and family.

Dennis was known for his strong work ethic-many times being the first one to the mill with the first load of logs for the day. He worked tirelessly to provide for his family. There were countless evenings when Dennis and Kim (and kids) were out working on the log truck together, turning wrenches and doing whatever needed done to make sure it was operable and ready to roll again by morning. And even after long days, Dennis still found time to help his dad on the farm-building fence, feeding cows, making hay-always showing up wherever he was needed, without complaint.

Dennis had a true passion for hunting. Every fall meant time in the woods-first with his dad, and later with his children and grandchildren. Those seasons brought stories and memories that will be carried for generations. In the fall of 2025, Dennis got to witness a moment he was especially proud of: watching his granddaughter take her first deer.

More than anything, Dennis loved being a Papaw. His grandkids were his bright spot, and he made sure each of them knew they were loved-often with a little extra spoiling, just because that's what Papaw did best.

Dennis is survived by his wife, Kim, of the home; his three children, Cassandra (Jason) of Parkersburg, West Virginia; Derek (Cynthia) of Arbovale; and Treyson (Sabrina) of Marlinton; and six grandchildren: Alonzo and Payton Barton, Delaney and Callie Simmons, and Bronwynn and Keplan Campbell. He is also survived by five siblings: Joyce Corbett, Mitch Simmons, Cindy Price, Anita Simmons, and Patty Harrell; his father-in-law, A.G. Dean; brother-in-law, Matt Dean; and sister-in-law, Andrea Peaytt; along with a host of nieces and nephews, and many special friends.

Dennis also had many children who were not connected to him by blood, but by love. His "sons" include Brandon Stone, Wesley Simmons, Dervin Lambert, Jason Gum, Dallas Vandevender, and Jesse Defibaugh. His "daughters" include Cynthia Simmons, Devan Gum, Hannah Stone, Courtney Simmons, Amanda Peaytt, and Amber Defibaugh. He also leaves behind grandchildren he proudly claimed as his own: Raelynn and Curtis Stone, Ascher, Ayva and Everly Simmons, and baby Jason Gum.

Dennis was preceded in death by his parents, Wallace and Norine Simmons; his sister, Pamela Delp; and his mother-in-law, Josephine Dean.

Visitation will be Saturday, February 28, 2026 from 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm at the Wallace & Wallace Funeral Home in Arbovale. Service will start at 6:00 pm, with Pastor Julian Rittenhouse and Pastor Dave Plank officiating.