John A. Simonds

John A. Simonds, 83 of Hamilton passed away Saturday, March 30, 2013 in Great Falls, Montana.
John was born in Beloit, Wisconsin, son of Lester H. and Mabel L. (Obright) Simonds and graduated from Beloit High School, Beloit, Wisconsin. He served in the United States Air Force for six years, which took him to Germany, North Africa, Ohio, Okinawa, South Dakota and Washington, serving as a radio operator and later as a load master. Another fourteen years was spent in the Air Force Reserves with duties in South American countries - Panama, San Salvadore, Dominican Republic and Puerto Rico. He honorably retired at the rank of Master Sergeant in 15 Dec 1977.
He was united in marriage with Gladys L. Heiland and they lived in Rapid City, South Dakota and Reardan, Washington before returning to make their home in Anna, Ohio until August 1990, when they moved across the country to Hamilton, Montana and lived there up to this time.
They were the parents of four children: Carol Elaine, John David, Mark Allen and James Aaron, who were all born and grew up in Anna, Ohio. Two of the children are deceased, Mark Simonds and Carol Blackwelder. Surviving are his wife, Gladys; sons, John D. (Marion) and James A. (Michelle) and son-in-law, Gerald Blackwelder; grandchildren, Stacey Blackwelder, Curtis Simonds, Jennifer Birkeland, Stephanie Yuhas, Bradley and Jessica Simonds, Matthew and Heather Simonds; Five Great grandchildren, Easton Peterson, Bradley A. Simonds, Jr., Jadelyn Simonds, Marcus Simonds (Deceased), Lainie Jo Birkeland, Eliza Yuhas; sister, Marilyn Martin (Deceased).
He graduated from Coyne Electronics School in Chicago, Illinois in 1955, which was in conjunction with his Air Force specialty of radio operator. He owned and operated "Anna Television Service and Repair". Was also a gauge technician for the Ford Motor Company Engine Plant, Lima, Ohio for thirty years, retiring 1 April 1987.
John is a member of St. Paul's Lutheran Church, Botkins, Ohio, where he served for a time on the church council and as a deacon, and currently attended Grace Lutheran Church in Hamilton, Montana.
He was a Boy Scout leader during the time his sons were members of that organization.
John was a Major in the Civil Air Patrol, Piqua, Ohio, where he was a licensed pilot for Search and Rescue missions; a life member of the American Legion, Post 47, Hamilton, Montana; Veterans of Foreign Wars, Post 6697, Darby, Montana; Air Force Sergeants Association; Non-Commissioned Officer's Association. He was also, member of the Bitterroot Gem and Mineral Society and the Bitterroot Amateur Radio Club, Hamilton, Montana; Bitterroot Historical Society helping Pete Samuelvich with the preservation of Military History.

In lieu of flowers the family suggests memorials to Grace Lutheran Church 275 Hattie Ln., Hamilton, MT 59840 or the Hamilton American Legion Post 47, 322 S. 2nd St. Hamilton, MT 59840.