Clarence Milton Simmons, age 74, a lifelong resident of White, SD, passed away at United Living Community under Hospice care surrounded by his loving family on Saturday, June 17, 2023.   Funeral services will be held on Saturday, June 24, 2023, at the United Methodist Church in White at 2:00 P.M.  Burial will follow the service at Fairview Cemetery in White.  Visitation will be held the evening prior, Friday, June 23, 2023, at the church from 4:00 until 7:00 P.M.  Eidsness Funeral Home is assisting the Simmons family with arrangements.

Clarence was the fourth child born to Marvin and Velva Mae (Van Ningen) Simmons.  He attended Crocus Hill #105 country school for the first 8 grades, then continued his studies at Deubrook High School where he was part of the first graduating class in 1967. While a student of Deubrook High School, he lettered in track, football, basketball, and participated in school plays all while learning his work ethic by helping on the family farm. Clarence and Eunice Fay Franken were married December 10, 1966, to which to this union three children were born.

Clarence and Eunice owned the White Meat Locker early in their marriage. He was an avid hunter and processed many deer throughout his lifetime for both family and friends. Clarence was hired at the Case IH Implement dealership in Brookings and after 41 years of employment, he reached his time of retirement.  Clarence was an organizing community member of Six Mile Creek Golf Course in White and a volunteer member of the White Fire Department for 40 years. The United Methodist Church in White was very important to Clarence having been baptized and confirmed in the faith. Over the years, he served the church in many capacities.

Clarence's love for sports was evident being a lifelong NY Yankees and Green Bay Packers fan.  He spent many years on the Diamond playing, baseball, slow pitch softball, and fast pitch softball where he was a fierce competitor but more than anything, enjoyed the aftergame comradery. Since 1975, Clarence ran the Deubrook football scoreboard alongside Cliff Wright. Clarence had a love for life and living it to the fullest which included many vacations with extended and immediate family throughout his lifetime, making memories at every possibility.

Clarence is survived by his wife Eunice and their children Sheila (Neal) Kjenstad of Brandt, SD; Sandra (Kevin Kunz) Simmons of Minnetonka, MN and Stan (Susan) of Sioux Falls, SD.  Six grandchildren:  Steve, Morgan, Nate, Taylor, Will and Josie and six great-grandchildren.  His brother Roger of Brookings, SD and sister Marvel Simmons of Dell Rapids, SD. Clarence was preceded in death by his parents, sisters Ruth Ann Anderson and Donna Rae Nielsen, brother Michael, great-grandson Conroy, and numerous aunts, uncles, and nephew.