Frederick "Fred" Edwin Simerly, 95, of Belvidere, Illinois passed away peacefully, Friday March 19, 2021 at Maple Crest Care Centre in Belvidere, Illinois. Fred was born September 22, 1925 in Twiggs County, Georgia, the son of Adam and Laura (Brady) Simerly. Fred spent 31 years working for Peter J. O'Brien Paving Contractors as a construction laborer. Fred married his sweetheart, Beverly Chamberlain, on December 21, 1970 in Maywood, Illinois. He was a member of the Construction Labor Union Local #1006. Fred was also a member at Belvidere First Assembly of God. He loved volunteering with the food pantry. He was an avid sports fan, including all sports except golf. Fred loved bowling, fishing, and watching sports. He loved to laugh and tell jokes and especially loved his family.Fred is lovingly survived by his beloved wife, Beverly; daughter, Elena (Brian) Reynard; sons, Adam (Juli) Simerly, Troy (Lilia) Buchanan, and Tony (Mary Jane) Buchanan; grandchildren; Elissa, Dustin, Kyle, Nathan, Cody, Mikayla and Joshua; as well as multiple nieces and nephews.Fred is preceded in death by both parents; son Curtis Simerly; two brothers, AC Simerly and Holbert Simerly; and sister, Lizzie Belle Horne.

A visitation for Fred will be held from 1 to 2:45 p.m., Wednesday, March 24, 2021 at Belvidere First Assembly of God, 1105 7th Ave, Belvidere, IL 61008. A funeral ceremony will follow at 3 p.m. at the church. Rev. David Smith will officiate. Social distancing and masks required.A second visitation will be from 10 to 11 a.m., Friday, March 26, 2021 at Barnett-Strother Funeral Home, 2285 N. Main St., Madisonville, KY. Funeral to follow at the funeral home. Pastor Nathan Bruce will officate. Burial at Browder Cemetery, Madisonville, Kentucky. Memorial contributions can be given in care of the family. To share a memory please visit www.AndersonFCS.com