Ivan Heber Simmons, Jr.

Ivan Heber Simmons, Jr., 76, of Princeton, passed away peacefully Monday, September 14, 2026, at his home with his wife, his “Love”, Midori by his side.  

Ivan was born January 7, 1950, to the late Ivan Heber Simmons, Sr. and Lunolia Augusta (Young) Simmons. He graduated from Princeton Community High School and began a long career in the plumbing and pipefitting trades.

A master plumber and member of Plumbers & Steamfitters Local 136 since 1973, Ivan managed the plumbing and pipefitting work during the renovation of St. Mary’s Hospital. Ivan later owned and operated Simmons Mechanical, Inc. He was responsible for the industrial plumbing and pipefitting installation at Toyota Motor Manufacturing Indiana in Princeton. Known for his strong work ethic and exacting standards, Ivan expected excellence from himself and those who worked with him, earning the nickname “Drivin’ Ivan”.  

Ivan will be remembered for his dedication to his work, his determination, his quiet, knowing chuckle, the impact he had on family and friends, and for always being the one in the room who “didn’t miss a thing”. Ivan was one of Jackie Young’s biggest fans, watching her play one last time, proudly witnessing her make history as Player of the Game in the World Cup Championship.

Ivan is survived by his wife of 17 years, Midori (Young) Simmons; daughters, Jalynn Simmons and Jeanna (Tim) Evans; step-children, Reece (Sarah) Collins, Audrey (J.R.) Marshall, and Olivia (Brent) Pinkston; his grandchildren and great-grandchildren; and siblings, Pastor William (Danielle) Simmons, Sr., Iva Lou (Joseph) Harvey, John Simmons, Alfreda (Jimmy) Harrison, Joyce (Kenneth Sr.) Sullivan, Fayola Green, Maria Simmons, Carl (Kimberly) Simmons, and Rick (Bronda) Simmons. He also leaves many cherished nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. 

Along with his parents, Ivan was preceded in death by his son, Jason Lee Simmons; and siblings, Bertis Paul Hardiman, Stephen Simmons, and Claudine Simmons. 

Visitation will be held from 12:00 PM until 2:00 PM at Colvin Funeral Home on Saturday. The funeral service, officiated by Kenneth Sullivan, Jr., will begin at 2:00 PM at Colvin Funeral Home. Burial will immediately follow the funeral service, at Sand Hill Cemetery.

For those who wish, memorial contributions may be made to the National Kidney Foundation of Indiana, 911 E. 86th St., Suite 100, Indianapolis, IN 46240. Online condolences may be shared at ColvinFuneralHome.com, where friends and family can also share fond memories of Ivan. Colvin Funeral Home is honored to serve the Simmons family. 

Ivan was lovingly cared for in his home by his wife, his step-daughter, Olivia Pinkston, and his sister-in-law, Loretta Young Heidorn. The family would also like to extend a heartfelt thank you to DaVita Princeton Dialysis and Compassus Hospice for taking such good care of Ivan.

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