Clifford Neal Simmons

Clifford N. Simmons, 83, of Beatrice died Saturday, March 14, 2015 at the Bryan/LGH Medical Center West, Lincoln, NE.  He was born August 25, 1931 at Holton, Kansas and moved to Percival, Iowa in his early years.  He graduated from Percival High School in 1949 and then attended business school in Des Moines, IA until joining the United States Air Force in 1951 where he served in the Korean Theatre.  Upon returning from Korea he married his high school sweetheart, Mercedes Monaghan on January 16, 1954.  They lived in Percival until moving to Beatrice in 1962 where he managed the Job Service for 32 years. After retiring in 1984 they spent their winters with their Florida family and friends.

He was a member of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, Beatrice, Beatrice Sertoma Club, American Legion Post #27 of the American Legion, Geddes-Thober V. F. W  Post #1077, 15th RSM Air Force Squadron,  Gage County Economic Development and Hidden Acres Golf Course .  He also served on the Civil Service Commission, was a past assistant scoutmaster for Boy Scout Troop #221 and coached YRI baseball.

He is survived by his wife Mercedes of Beatrice; children, Steven M. Simmons and wife Sharon of Jacksonville, FL, Dale A. Simmons and wife Deb of Beatrice, NE; Sandra J. Hays and husband Kevin of Lincoln, NE; grandchildren, Lauren Simmons Denver, CO, Sarah Kwiatkowski and husband Keith of Oldsman, FL, Christine Jones and husband Rick of Jacksonville, FL, Michael Simmons of Jacksonville, FL, Nick Simmons and wife Candice of Beatrice, NE, Leslie Rinne of Beatrice, Jenna Gaston and husband Grant of Lincoln, NE and Ryan Hays of Lincoln, NE; great- grandchildren, Caleb McKernan, Carter Simmons, Aubrie Simmons, Charlie Rinne, Colette Jones, Mason Jones, Briggs Rinne, and Corinne Gaston; Sadie Kwiatkowski ; brother Jim Simmons and wife Jackie of Springfield, GA;  many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Clifford was preceded in death by his parents Clifford L. Simmons and Katherine C.  (Kaufman )Simmons Handy; 2 brothers, Warren and Don Simmons.

Mass of Christian Burial 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, March 18, 2015 at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, Beatrice, NE  68310 with Fr. Robert Barnhill, officiating. Rosary: Harman-Wright Mortuary Tuesday 7:30 p.m.  Burial will be in the St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery with military honors by Bitting-Norman Post #27 of the American Legion, Beatrice and the U.S. Air Force. Visitation will be held at Harman-Wright Mortuary 9 a.m. -5:30 p.m. Tuesday.  A register book is also available online at www.harmanwrightmortuary.com for messages of condolence.  A memorial is established to the St. Joseph Catholic Church and School with the mortuary in charge.  Harman-Wright Mortuary in charge of arrangements. 

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