Violets are blue, roses are red. If you're reading this, I must be dead! Russell Robert Simmons, age 73, lost his courageous seven year battle with cancer on January 26, 2021 surrounded by his family at home. Russ, affectionately known to his family and many friends as Rhymin' Russ and Mr. Mopar, had a lifelong love of music, bowling and drag racing.

Russ graduated from Wellington High School in 1965, attended Oberlin Business College and then served in the US Navy Reserves. Russ was taught a strong work ethic from an early age, beginning as a young boy helping his dad do chores on McConnell's Farm, delivering newspapers for the Plain Dealer, working as a sales associate for Herrick's Men's Store, a machine operator at General Industries, and holding various positions at Ford Motor Company in both Lorain and Avon Plants where he retired from in 2007 after 39 ½ years.

He was born November 15, 1947 in Elyria, Ohio. Survivors include his wife of 43 years, Heather (nee Horvath); sons, Rusty (Patty) of Wellington and Derek (Tabatha) of Blacklick, Ohio; grandchildren, Abby, Aubrey and Bryce Simmons; siblings, Sharon (Gary) Moore, Mel (Ev) Simmons, Karen (Nelson) Barnes, Sally (Joe) Galanek, Merle (Linda) Simmons; nieces, Monique (Mike) Carroll, Angel (Tim) Gallion, Brooke Barnes, Max Casero, Logan Simmons, Alexis and Alyssa Galanek; nephews, Jeff (Jen) Powell, Brad (Holly) Barnes; and several great nieces and nephews, Russ was preceded in death by his son, Drake; parents, Robert and Helen Simmons; brother in law and sister in law, John and Pam Minnich and mother in law and father in law, Alex & Joyce Horvath.

Arrangements are being handled by Norton-Eastman Funeral Home. A memorial will be held on Saturday, February 6, 2021 at the Lorain County Fairgrounds, building 19, from 11 am -4 pm. Private graveside services will be held for the immediate family.

Russ will always be remembered for his positive attitude and zest for life.