Ronald E. Simmons

May 15, 1942 - November 11, 2014

Ronald Edward Simmons, one of six children of George W., Jr. and Margaret J. (Helms) Simmons, was born May 15, 1942 in Auburn, Nebraska. He attended Auburn Public Schools through high school and received his GED later in life. On October 22, 1961 Ron was united in marriage to Carol Maddox in Auburn. They made their home in rural Auburn and would be blessed with two daughters, Pam and Lisa. Ron was a “jack-of-all-trades” as shown in his work history. In addition to working nights at Darling Transfer, he worked at Standard Chevrolet in Auburn, Auburn Machine Works, and WoodCarv Cabinets before taking over Simmons Repair from his father. Ron operated the business for many years before closing it and returning to work at what was then Tri-Pac Cabinets. He later worked outages at Cooper Nuclear Station. Ron was baptized at the United Methodist Church in Nemaha, Nebraska on October 16, 1988 by Rev. Paul Weinert and became a member of the church. He had also belonged to the JayCees and Eagles Club in Auburn. As a member of the Auburn Volunteer Fire Department and Auburn Rescue Squad, he was awarded the first Fireman of the Year Award and served as a Trustee of the Squad. Spare time for Ron was spent on many interests. He enjoyed hunting and fishing as well as working with woods and metals on projects. He was also a big NASCAR fan. Mostly though, Ron enjoyed his grandkids and great-grandkids and their activities. Ron and Carol moved to Nemaha in 2002 to enjoy retirement. Health issues slowed Ron down somewhat, but he was able to remain at home with care from Carol and others. With family around him, he passed away at his home in Nemaha on Tuesday, November 11, 2014 at the age of 72 years, 5 months, and 27 days. His parents, brother Bob, and parents-in-law Floyd and Mildred Maddox preceded him in death. Ron is survived by his wife Carol of Nemaha; daughters and sons-in-law Pam and Eric Adams of Auburn; Lisa and George Schmidt of Tecumseh; grandchildren Lee Adams of Lincoln; Joni and husband Andrew Falk of Tecumseh; Jeni and husband Nathan Seitz of Tecumseh; Jordan Schmidt and fiancée Marissa Long of Smithville, MO; great-grandchildren Harley Adams, Elle and Sophie Falk; twin brother Don and wife Donna Simmons of Lecanto, FL; sisters Karen and husband Howard Bowland, Georgina and husband Tyler Allgood, Janette Price, all of Lincoln; brothers- and sisters-in-law and their spouses Diane Maddox of Nebraska City; Genny Maddox of California; Doris and Jerry Barnard of Lincoln; Gary and Pat Maddox of Auburn; Jean and Terry Reeves of Peru; Larry and Gerri Maddox of Shubert; Mary and Craig Davis of Shubert; Alice and Gary Alexander of Auburn; Pat and Don Wamsley of Nemaha; Kenny and Tamara Maddox of Madrid, NE; many other relatives and friends. A funeral service will be Friday, November 14, 10:30 a.m. at Hemmingsen Funeral Home in Auburn. Burial will follow in the Nemaha Cemetery. Visitation will be at the funeral home Thursday 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., with family greeting friends 6:00 to 8:00.