Photo courtesy of Adams & Swanson Funeral Home - North Platte
North Platte, Nebraska
Jun 17, 1927 – Jun 24, 2022
Niles G. Simmons, 95, of Wallace, Nebraska, passed away June 24, 2022.
He was born to Niles J. Simmons, Sr., and Ella V. (Porterfield) Simmons on June 17, 1927 in Heartwell, Nebraska. He attended District #27 and Star Country School in the Sutherland, Nebraska area. He obtained his GED at Fort Riley, Kansas while serving in the Army.
Niles married Joan Ecker Cohen on September 10, 1960 in Denver, Colorado. Their family included 3 children, 7 grandchildren and 10 great-granddaughters. He was a rancher from the beginning of his life until the end.
Niles joined the Merchant Marines at the age of 17. In 1950, he enlisted in the Army. After training at Fort Riley, Kansas, he was sent to Korea. He fought on the frontline and later served as a member of the Honor Guard. He obtained the rank of Sergeant in the 2nd Infantry Division 38th Regiment where he earned Bronze Service Stars and the Combat Infantry Badge.
He was a member and supporter of St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Wallace, Nebraska; American Legion Post #213; founding member of the Wallace Roping Club. Niles and Joan enjoyed spending time traveling throughout the United States watching their Quarter Horses race.
Niles is survived by his 3 children, Mary Anne (Kevin) Knapple of Papillion, Lisa (Dave) Josten of North Platte, and Terry (Tammy) Simmons of North Platte; 7 grandchildren, Jennifer (John) Kuhn of Spring Hill, Kansas, Nicholas (Peggy) Knapple of Olathe, Kansas, Lindsay (David) Henson, of Papillion, Chelsea (Rob) Maranville of Pendleton, Oregon, Mitchell Josten of North Platte, Sammy Jo (Maulin) Vora of Santa Rosa, California and Shelby Simmons of Burbank, California; 10 great-granddaughters, Lucy Kuhn, Lily Kuhn, Sadie Kuhn, Lincoln Knapple, Bess Henson, Maggie Henson, Nyla Maranville, Cora Maranville, Aarchia Vora, Felix Williams; sister, Shirley Ann Simmons of Louisville, Kentucky; and his faithful dog, Chester and many other family members and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Niles Sr. and Ella; wife Joan in 2008; sister Gloria Dodson; brother John (Jack) Simmons; and brother-in-law’s, Roger Ecker and Joe Dodson.
Memorials are suggested to the American Legion Post 213, Wallace, Nebraska. Online condolences may be shared at www.adamsswanson.com.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held 11:00 A.M., Wednesday, July 6, 2022 at St. Mary's Catholic Church, Wallace, Nebraska with Father Thomas Bush as celebrant. Rosary will be recited at 7:00 P.M., Tuesday, July 5, at Adams & Swanson Funeral Home. Visitation will be held noon - 5, Tuesday. Burial will follow mass at Morning View Cemetery, Wallace, Nebraska with Military Honors. Adams & Swanson Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
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So sorry to hear of your Dad's passing. I would have to say the same about my conversations with Niles as Vern Friesen said. We had some great conversations at the gas pump that were cut short by the line waiting. I can say the same about your Mom. She imparted some wisdom I still quote today to many I talk to. What I saw, as an example, in the two of them were principled people. I will be in contact.
William G. Sullivan
July 25, 2022
Lisa and Dave, Sorry for your loss, you are in our prayers.
Roger and Julie Harmon
July 04, 2022
Sorry for your loss. In my thoughts and prayers.
Frank J Fleecs
July 03, 2022
Terry, so sorry for your loss, may he rest in peace, R.I.P. ...
Mark and Sheryl Schaeffer
July 02, 2022 | North Platte, NE | Coworker
From the first time that I met Niles, he was always very friendly towards me. I hold him in high regard. I loved to hear whatever he had tell about earlier times, whether it was the blizzard of 49, his time in the service or his favorite horse. He always had time to talk and our visits were a really good time for me. I’m saddened that another patriarch of the community is no longer with us.
Vern Friesen
June 30, 2022 | Wallace, NE | Friend
So sorry for the loss of your dad. He was such a nice and gentle man. Sending condolences your way.
Peggy Cohen
June 28, 2022 | Family
Sympathy and prayers for Niles’ family. He was always a very special uncle.
I remember getting to help at branding time and I got to ride his horse as a kid. Love his smile. So very much like his Dad, my Grandpa, with his story-telling.
Shari Kraus
June 27, 2022 | Ogallala, NE | Family
