Darwin C. Simmons, age 86 of Moorefield, WV, passed away Wednesday morning, October 28, 2026, at his residence. Born February 27, 1940, in Kessel, he was the son of the late Arno C. Simmons and Jean Elizabeth Barr Simmons. He was preceded in death by a grandson, Jackson Simmons; four brothers-in-law, Tom Kewecki, Gary Lee, Steve Palmer, and Gaylord Brooks; special aunt and uncle, Lyle and Gladys Hardy.

Darwin graduated from Moorefield High School in 1958 and served in the U.S. Army from 1959-1962 and received an honorable discharge from the U.S. Army Reserves in 1965. He attended basic training in Ft. Jackson, SC and afterwards was transferred to U.S. Army Air Defense Command, “B” Battery 3rd Missile Battalion at Loring AFB, and “C” Battery 3rd Missile Battalion through 1961 in Maine. He maintained guided missiles protecting USAF B-52 bombers and F-105 fighter jets. Additional duty stations at the 5th Missile Battalion (Nuclear Warheads Nike Hercules) and finished his career with the 3rd Artillery U.S. Army, Pittsburgh, Air Defense Site in Oakdale, PA achieving the rank of SP4 (E-4).

Enlisting in the U.S. Navy, Seabees in 1980 through 1997 he served 42 months on active duty. He received training and duty stations in Cumberland, MD, Ft. Belvoir, VA, U.S. Marine Corps Base in Quantico, VA (numerous times) U.S. Marine Corps Base, Camp Lejune, NC (numerous times), US Army 82nd Airborne, Ft. Bragg, NC (numerous times), U.S. Naval Submarine Base, Kings, Bay, GA, Navy Seabees, Gulfport, Mississippi (numerous times), Navy Seabees, Port Hueneme, CA, Dam Neck, VA, Camp Dawson, WV, GITMO, Panama and Midway Island.

He received numerous awards including the Army Good Conduct Medal, Battalion Soldier of the Month, M1 Carbine Expert, Navy Achievement Medal, Battle E Ribbon, Navy Rifle Expert, Navy Pistol Expert, Meritorious Unit Commendation, National Defense Service Medal, Navy & Marine Corps Overseas Service Ribbon, Naval Reserve Meritorious Service Medal, and Detail Seabee of the Quarter.

He was a member of the Hardy County Voiture #1623, 40 & 8 and the John M. Golliday, American Legion Post #64.

He retired from the WV Department of Highways after 37 years of working mostly on bridges. After retirement from the WVDOH, he was employed by RK&K Consulting Engineers, from Baltimore, MD for five and a half years as a consultant for bridge projects throughout WV and later working a couple small projects when someone was on vacation.

Darwin was an avid Moorefield High School sports fan for over 60 years. Most recently watching his grandchildren cheer, perform gymnastics, and compete in wrestling, soccer, baseball, basketball and football. In addition, he attended many of the events for out of town grandchildren, including many soccer, golf, basketball, football and lacrosse games in VA and NC.

After retirement, he enjoyed playing senior golf on Wednesdays as Valley View Golf course and traveling. Some of his travels included WWII battlefields in Europe as well as visiting Alaska, the Grand Canyon, and other places of interest throughout the country. Darwin was also an avid hunter. Darwin was a lifetime member of the Oakdale Christian Church, Rig, WV.

He is survived by his loving wife of 34 years, Kathryn E. Simmons; two sons, Jeremy Simmons and wife, Stephanie, Fisher, WV, and Daniel Simmons and wife, Heather, of Moorefield, WV; one step-daughter, Stephanie Vetter and husband Jay of Burlington, NC; one stepson, Tim Wratchford, and wife Pam of Hanover, VA; twelve grandchildren, who checked on him every day; one great-grandson; three sisters, Shirley Brooks of Cumberland, MD, Peggy Simmons of Fisher, WV, and Pat Palmer of Vienna, VA; and special friend of over 60 years, John Swick.

In honor of Darwin's spirit and the legacy he leaves behind, a Celebration of Life will be held at 2:00 PM, Saturday, November 7, 2026, at the Oakdale Christian Church, 3989 Rig Road, Moorefield, WV, with Pastor Lynn Rohrbaugh officiant. Friends, family, and all whose lives he touched are invited to join us in commemorating Darwin's remarkable journey and the joy he brought to our lives. The family will welcome friends starting at 11:00 AM until the time of the service, inviting everyone to share in laughter, stories and fond memories.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that memorial contributions be made to the Jacob Metheny Memorial Scholarship Fund at Pendelton Community Bank, 402 S Main Street, Moorefield, WV 26836 or Newhouse Cemetery, c/o Bunn Carr, 541 Rig West Road, Moorefield, WV 26836. To offer condolences, share memories, or upload photos in honor of Darwin's extraordinary life, visit his Tribute Wall at www.fraleyfuneralhome.com and celebrate the impact he made on all those around him.

Copyright © 2026 Fraley Funeral Home, LLC