Earl Ralph Simmons

Earl Ralph Simmons, 97, of Upper Milford Twp., PA, died August 12, 2025 at Devon House in Salisbury Township, PA. Born December 22, 1927 outside of Nazareth, PA he was the son of the late Harry William and Florence Gertrude (Cressman) Simmons. He was the husband of the late Eleanor Emily (Schaffer) Simmons for 66 years. He served in the US Navy and stationed at Guantanamo, Cuba as an airplane mechanic. He was a member of the Lower Lehigh Lions Club for 55 years and received the Melvin Jones Fellowship Award in 2020. He worked at his father's company, Lloyd's Motor Co. in Allentown and retired from Mack Trucks after 33 years as an electrician. He was a union man, a Democrat, and a Lutheran. He enjoyed boats, waterskiing, and music from the big bands to the disco music of the Bee Gees. He was kind, a good family man, and always had a joke from the Reader's Digest. Survivors: Children, Susan Valasek, wife of Bernard Valasek of Coopersburg, PA and Lori Simmons of Shepherdstown, WV; 3 grandchildren and 4 great-grandsons. Earl was predeceased by his wife; sisters, Dorothy Smith, Helen Reichl; and brother, Robert. Services: Private. Arrangements by Bachman, Kulik & Reinsmith Funeral Homes, Emmaus, www.BKRFH.com In lieu of flowers, contributions may be sent to Betty Lou's Food Pantry, 538 Thomas Street, Coopersburg, PA 18036