IN MEMORIAM: John Simonds, 90;

Retired From D&H After 44  Years

ONEONTA – John D. Simonds, 90, who retired after 44 years with the D&H Railroad here, passed away Saturday, March 9, 2019, at Bassett Hospital.

He was born March 8, 1929, in Oneonta the son of the late Francis and Frances (Beams) Simonds.

John married Mary Fisher on Dec. 20, 1974. in Walton. Mary passed away June 17, 2018.

John proudly served his country in the Army as a corporal during the Korean War.

Following his honorable discharge he began working for the D&H Railroad as a conductor. He retired after 44 years of service.

John was a lifelong Oneonta resident. He also spent many winters in Zephyrhills, Fla., at Bakers Acres RV Resort, where he won many shuffleboard tournaments.

He was a member of the Masonic Lodge and the American Legion as well as the VFW.

John is survived by his daughter, Deborah (Richard) Brown; grandchildren, Timothy (Candace) Brown, Tina (Ian) Quencer; great-grandchildren, Owen, Bryn, Zoey, Ella and Everett; sisters, Dorothy Gill, Peggy Sorenson, Nancy (Donald) Elliott, Belva (Roger) Linscott; brothers, Russell (Bonny) Simonds and Paul (Carla) Simonds; as well as several nieces and nephews.
He was predeceased by a sister, Barbara Couse; and brothers, Donald, Gordon and Robert Simonds.
Calling hours will be held from 1 to 3 p.m., Thursday, March 14, at the Bookhout Funeral Home, 357 Main St., Oneonta. Funeral services will immediately follow at 3 p.m. with the Rev. Judith A. Thistle officiating.
For those who wish, memorial donations may be made to either the National Heart Foundation or the National Kidney Foundation.
Online condolences may be made by visiting www.bookhoutfuneralhome.com.
Funeral arrangements are by the Bookhout Funeral Home, Oneonta.