McMinnville resident and Van Buren County native Joseph Lawson “J.L.” Simons, 95, was born March 27, 1917 and died March 11 at his residence following an extended illness.A retired carpenter, United States Army veteran of World War II, and member of the Baptist Church, he was the son of the late James and Hassie Hillis Simons. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by brother, Everett Simons and five sisters, Lorena Simons, Inez Hale, Audrey McCoy, Elsie Pearl Simons and Georgie Simons.He was married Sept. 14, 1953 to Cleo Prater Simons of McMinnville. In addition to his wife, he is survived by three children and their spouses, Joann and Mike Archambault of Clarkrange, James Gary and Cathey Simons of Manchester, and Jeffery Simons of McMinnville; seven grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren; three sisters and brother-in-law, Loray and Joe Eller, Fay Sharpe and Virgie Ward, all of McMinnville, and several nieces and nephews.Funeral service will be held at 2 p.m. Thursday at High’s Chapel with pastor Greg Nash officiating.