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Ward Simmons, 95, one of the first African-Americans to become a journeyman in the Plasterers and Cement Finishers Union in 1955, died Saturday in Little Company of Mary Hospital in Evergreen Park. Mr. Simmons also owned and operated Simmons Service Station on King Drive prior to World War II and later operated Simmons Fuel Oil, a petroleum delivery service, in 1951. Survivors include three sons, Randolph, Harry and Terry; and four daughters, Leona Paytes, Joyce Wolfe, Frieda Rhodes and Beverley Willis. Visitation will be from 1 to 7 p.m. Friday in Unity Funeral Parlors, 4114 S. Michigan Ave., Chicago. Services will be held at noon Saturday in Congregational Church of Park Manor, 7000 S. King Drive, Chicago.
