Mr. Ronald J. Simons, 69, of Rochester, passed away at 1:02 am, Thursday, August 6, 2015 at Parkview Regional Medical Center of Fort Wayne. On April 19, 1946, in Peru, Ronald J. was born a treasured son of John William and Thora Louise Bagwell Simons. During his youth he enjoyed playing the trumpet for his church at Crooked Creek in Royal Center. A 1964 graduate of Rochester High School, he enjoyed running on the track team. During the winter he played for the RHS Zebra basketball team. On May 20, 1972, at Akron's Church of God, Ron married the love of his life who later became his best friend, Sharon Ann Zumbaugh Simons. Together they have spent 43 years sharing life's adventures. From their union came three sons and a daughter. Over the years the family tree continued to grow with the added blessings of 17 grandchildren and a great grandson. Working on Indian Hill Farms with the Everett Smith Family was his Ron's initial employment. He later worked two stints with Pike Lumber Company amassing more than two decades of service as a professional truck driver and logger. Ron was a devoted member of the Indiana Paint horse Association where he enjoyed presenting his "Paints" in the halter class. At home he enjoyed mowing and manicuring his yard. Planting flowers and trees to enhance this landscape was his forte. Saturday mornings brought on adventures at the Sale Barn where Ron made special points to visit with his buddy Doug Holcomb. Beginning each day was his early morning coffee in Akron at Good to Go. The weekends he caught up with friends at Pac-A-Sac or Steve's Sunoco. At the men's table they would solve the world's problems and chat about the latest local news. Left to cherish Ron's memory are his wife, Sharon; a daughter, Tracy Lynn Fraga and husband Robert of Round Rock, TX; three sons: Ronald William Simons and wife Dalene of Camden, OH, Douglas J. Simons of Kentucky, Heath Adam Simons and wife Brittany of Rochester; 17 grandchildren: Brittney Leigh, Kirsten Reann, Haley Lynn, Kiley Anne, Autumn, John William, Ronni Dalene, Jaydin Preston, Jerzey Lynn, Mikyla Dayle, Broderyck J., Ryder Matthew, Brooklyn Marie, Xander Lamar, Dakota John, Izaac Matthew, Kimberly Renae; two sisters: Janet Flinn and husband Michael of Logansport, Jean Hudson and husband Terry of Solisberry; two brothers: Terry W. Simons of Rochester, John Goodrich and wife Janie of Logansport; a sister-in-law, Tina Seidelmann of Grovertown; two brother-in-laws: John Arthur Cunningham of Rochester and Bruce Edward Cunningham of Le Claire, Iowa; and several nieces and nephews. Preceding Ron in death are his parents, an infant granddaughter, Donna Angel Simons, and a grandson, Colt William Simons in 2010. Chaplain Jason See will officiate services. Ron's family would like you to dress casual, perhaps wearing your favorite pair of jeans. Interment will be in the Rochester IOOF Cemetery.