William C. Simonton

William Christ "Bill/Popoo" Simonton, born December 25, 1939 at his family's home in rural Carlyle (known as "The Post Oaks"), passed away July 3, 2021 at Barnes Jewish Hospital in St. Louis, Mo. He was the son of Arch and Sophie (Daum) Simonton. His siblings are Mary (Simonton) Steinkamp, deceased (spouse Wilbert Steinkamp, deceased) and Norma (Simonton) Brown (spouse Glen Brown, deceased) of Upland, CA. Bill married Donna (Jurgensmeyer) Simonton April 2, 1960. They have six children, fifteen grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

Children - Lisa Simonton (life partner Gena Speakmon) of Babcock Ranch, FL, Kevin Simonton, deceased (widow Tammy Zerafa) of Naples, FL, Shelly McCormack (spouse Jimmy McCormack) of Chesterfield, MO, Kelly Dover (spouse Keith Dover) of Marion, IL, Bradley Simonton (spouse Brooklyn (Hoelscher) Simonton of "The Post Oaks", IL and Brian Simonton (spouse Chelsea (Kohrmann) Simonton of "The Post Oaks", IL.   Grandchildren - Courtney Simonton (significant other Jacob Winkeler), Cody Simonton (significant other Alexis Robert), Mason McCormack, Carson McCormack, Kalli (Dover) Farthing (spouse Aaron Farthing), Kameron Dover (fiancee Abigail Moore), Kaden Dover, Dylan Simonton (significant other Parker Diehl), Ian Simonton, Maci Simonton, Cash Simonton, Wyatt Simonton (significant other Taylor Dall), Waylon Simonton, Mildree Simonton, and Mabel Simonton.   Great grandchildren - Ledger Simonton and Lakyn Simonton.

Bill and Donna started Simonton Hardwood Lumber in 1962. Bill was so proud of his family, family business, childhood home, his family's homes, and the land that holds it all. Over the years, Simonton Hardwood Lumber has grown into a highly respected business, known throughout the U.S. for their quality products and dedication to customer relationships and loyalty. With two high-producing sawmills, a fleet of semi trucks, 25 employees and four generations of family, Simonton Hardwood Lumber is a testament to Bill and Donna's work ethic and commitment to leaving a family legacy.

Throughout his life, Bill has shared his knowledge and passion for nature and the sawmill business with his wife, children and grandchildren, trusting that his vision and legacy be carried on for years to come. His motto was "No job is ever too small or too large to conquer".

Bill's roots run very deep in "The Post Oaks". He lived 81 years in the same house in which he was born, with many renovations through the years to accommodate his growing family. Bill and Donna transformed a tiny house with no running water or bathroom into what is now a 14 room home and hub for family holidays, casual pop-ins and now the sacred place we will all gather to honor his life. Bill always welcomed family, friends and customers into his home with a smile and a handshake - but always with a funny story. He loved to laugh and make people laugh. He also loved his many dogs and his John Deere loader.

Bill was the definition of Patriarch. His principles, philosophies, and achievements are woven into the fabric of everything and everyone he touched. He will be deeply missed.

A funeral service will be held at 12:00 Noon on Friday, July 9, 2021, at Messiah Lutheran Church in Carlyle.  Private burial will follow at Sawmill Cemetery in the Post Oaks.  Visitation will be held at Messiah Lutheran Church on Friday, July 9, 2021, from 9:00 A.M. until service time. A luncheon will be served at the church fellowship hall immediately following the service.  

Expressions of sympathy in memory of Mr. Simonton are suggested to Messiah Lutheran Preschool and will be received through Zieren Funeral Home, PO Box 276, Carlyle, IL 62231.

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.