Jackie "Jack" Joe Simmons

On Friday, December 8, 2023, Jackie Joe “Jack” Simmons finished his work on earth surrounded by his

daughter and family members. Jack was born June 5, 1946, to Herbert and Norma Jean Simmons, who

preceded him in death.

Jack enlisted in the U.S. Army Special Forces and served in the Vietnam War, where he dealt with some

of the toughest and least desirable tasks of war. After his military service, Jack came back to Terre

Haute and began Simmons Concrete Construction, which gave him the moniker “the Concrete Guy”.

Many of the homes, restaurants, hotels, churches and other buildings in Terre Haute sit on foundations

worked by the hands of Jack Simmons and his crews.

Jack wasn’t just a businessman; he was also one of the most giving people you would ever want to meet.

He was an encourager of people. He loved people. Jack could not just walk by someone who appeared

less fortunate and not stop to talk, offer a kind word, give them a little money for food or coffee, and

just be a little light in the day. He never wanted to see anyone do without if he had the means to help

them.

Jack loved his church – New Life Fellowship – and welcomed all who came through the doors. His great

concern was winning people to Jesus. He understood the meaning of an empty life through his early

years, and he wanted everyone to know that life could be better.

Jack poured his life into his daughter, who was his pride and joy, Jacqueline Rayetta (Jackie Ray) who

survives him along with her three children, James, Liam and Elizabeth. Jack is also survived by a brother,

Tony (Lynnanne) Martin. Jack leaves behind so many people who loved him and were very special to

him, including Cathy Simmons, nieces, nephews, cousins and many friends. Jack was also preceded in

death by two sisters: Loretta Patterson and Linda Simmons, infant grandson Isaac Krantz and nephew

Michael Tarrh.

Jack had a talent for treating others as his own, whether blood related or not. The stories to be told of

the memories each one has of their own special times with Jack are endless. Jack was a known

“prankster”, sometimes with no filter, and a very good dose of humor. He was truly loved by so many.

Our comfort is the hope we have of seeing him again. The mark that he has left on all of us will be there

long after the ink runs out. If you were privileged enough to know him, you have been touched in some

manner by his love and generosity.

A Celebration of Jack’s Life will be held at New Life Fellowship, 7849 Wabash Ave, Terre Haute, IN 47803

on Wednesday, December 13, 2023. Visitation will be 10 am – 12 pm with a service immediately

following at 12 p.m. Pastor Jeffrey Harpole will officiate. Upon the conclusion of the service, Veterans of Foreign War, 972

will be conducting   a 21-gun  salute will be offered to honor Jack’s service to his country. No graveside services will be held. Greiner Funeral Home was entrusted

with arrangements.

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