Gene Elmo Simonds

Gene E. Simonds May 21, 1928 �" October 14, 2009 Age: 81 Residence: Greeley Gene Simonds passed away on October 14, 2009 at his home in Greeley, CO. Gene was born to Seth and Myrtle (Lewis) Simonds in Verdel, NE. Gene was the last of six children; born on the family farm. Gene’s mother had beautiful red hair and freckles as did her six children. This may explain why Gene was so particularly proud of his granddaughter Jamie when she was born with her red hair and soon to come freckles! Gene and his siblings were raised during the Depression era and were expected to work long hours on the family farm each and every day, before and after school. Gene’s work ethic was engrained in him at a very young age and passed down to his children as well. In 1948, Gene joined the Army and served until 1952, working as a mechanic. After his honorable discharge from the Army, Gene worked in Oregon driving logging trucks and later returned to Lincoln, Nebraska where he met his future bride, Mary Lou, in May of 1957. Gene and Mary Lou loved dancing; this was their main form of entertainment. Gene and Mary Lou were married on Valentine’s Day, February 14, 1958 in Omaha, Nebraska. Gene, Mary Lou and her son, Randy, lived in Lincoln when Scott Gene Simonds was born on August 22, 1958. Gene was offered a job at Monfort of Colorado and was number six when hired as a butcher in 1960 where he worked for 19 years. Lisa Sue was born March 18, 1962; the daughter Mary Lou thought she would never have! After leaving Monfort; Gene went to work for Teledyne Densco in Denver as a machinist, retiring in 1993. During the 1980’s; Gene and Mary Lou toured most of the United States, Canada and Nova Scotia on their brand new Honda Goldwing motorcycle. Gene and Mary Lou were members of the Honda Gold Wing Motorcycle Association (GWRRA). Many wonderful life-long friends were made in this new circle of friends. The first of six granddaughters were born in April 1986; twins Ashley and Jamie Howell, born to Mark and Lisa Howell. Staci Simonds, Lindey Howell, Amber Simonds and Amanda Simonds were to follow! Gene and Mary Lou were very proud of their granddaughters and helped take care of them for several years before and after school. Family always came first for Gene and Mary Lou; they were so proud of their children and grandchildren. Mary Lou preceded Gene in death on July 26, 2004. Survivors are three children, Randall Ziegenbein of Sacramento, CA, Scott & Connie Simonds, and Lisa & Brad Mangum; six granddaughters; Ashley & Haven Richardson; Jamie & Christopher Dennis, Lindey Howell and Staci, Amber and Amanda Simonds. Also surviving are four great grandchildren. Private family services will be conducted with military honors at Fort Logan National Cemetery in Denver, CO where Gene and Mary Lou will be inurned together. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.adamsonchapels.com