Harold Delmaine Simmons

Harold Delmaine Simmons, 87, of Butler, KY, passed away peacefully at the family farm he loved in Elliott County, KY, on July 7, 2026. Harold Delmaine was born on March 17, 1939, in Elliott County and was the firstborn of the late James and Gertrude Click Simmons. He is survived by six siblings; his brothers are Wendell (Mignon), Wayne and Claude and sisters, Vanessa Gaye (Matthew Maggard), Ladell and Ann. His survivors also include several nephews and nieces, along with the mother of his son, Wilma Simmons, and his precious and protective best friend, Lucy, his Blue Healer. Along with his parents, Harold Delmaine was proceeded in death by his only child, Harold Delmaine Simmons, Jr. (know as Del to his family and friends), his wife, Kathleen Owen Simmons, and his grandparents. Harold Delmaine led a full and versatile life. As a high school student, he was very active in the Future Farmers of America where he was honored to hold local offices, as well as being the Kentucky State Farmer. He owned a farm from the time he was 11 years old and grew corn, tobacco and strawberries. Upon high school graduation, he served his country in the United States Army. He was hand-selected to be a soldier in the Presidential Honor Guard with responsibilities including the guarding of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier Grave and ceremonies with President Eisenhower. After returning from the Army, he began working heavy equipment on road constructions jobs in Indiana and other areas. Near this time, he married Wilma Harper and began building his house on the family farm where he was the fifth generation to live there. Harold, along with his Daddy, were the first to bring Charolais cattle to Elliott County. They also soon constructed the first block silos as well. In the 1970's, the eastern Kentucky coal boom found him becoming a partner in the establishment of SSC Mining, Inc. SSC Mining did strip mining in many Eastern Kentucky counties and allowed him to help many families with much needed jobs and opportunities to improve their lives. Later in life, he returned to working road construction and also assisted in the building of Kentucky Motor Speedway. During this phase of his life, he met and married Kathleen Owen. Soon he included farming in Pendleton County too. There he farmed soybeans, wheat and corn and after retirement, farming by 100's of acres became his full-time fun. His love of farming that began as a child in Elliott County continued to his last month of life where he sat on the side of his hospital bed and gave directions and instructions to his friends and neighbors that stepped in and put out his crops this year. Throughout Harold Delmaine's years, he was one of wit and humor. He had such a gift of a warm and caring heart, that he made friends where ever he went and never forgot a name, a face, or anything else he had learned about them. Also, if Harold knew you, you had probably acquired a nickname from him and forever that would be what you'd be called. Harold Delmaine accepted the Lord into his life many years ago and returned to His Lord later in life. All through the years, he touched so many with unconditional love and he will be missed by all those who knew and loved him. Friends may visit from 6:00 pm until 8:00 pm Thursday, July 09, 2026, at Whitt & Sons Funeral Home Chapel and Friday from 11:00 am until the service hour at 1:00 pm Friday at Peoples Funeral Home in Butler, Kentucky. Burial will follow in the Butler Cemetery. In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to St. Claire Hospice 201 Lyons Avenue Morehead, Kentucky 40351.

Harold Delmaine Simmons

March 17, 1939 - July 7, 2026