Phillip L. Simmons

Phillip L. Simmons, 82 of Kearney, died Wednesday, May 23, 2018 at Good Samaritan Society – St. John’s in Kearney, NE. Funeral services will be on Saturday, May 26, 2018 at 11:00 a.m. at the First Church of God in Kearney. Pastor Charlie Gable will officiate and cremation will follow services at the church. Visitation will be on Friday, May 25, 2018 from 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. at Horner Lieske McBride & Kuhl Funeral and Cremation Services in Kearney and also 1 hour prior to services on Saturday at the church. Memorials are suggested to the family. Please visit www.hlmkfuneral.com to leave a tribute or message of condolence. Horner Lieske McBride & Kuhl Funeral and Cremation Services in Kearney are in charge of arrangements. Phillip was born on June 15, 1935 in Furnas County, NE to Henry A. and Thelma F. (Cline) Simmons. He attended Beaver City High School and graduated with the class of 1953. While in high school he enjoyed being a member of the school band and also playing football. He married Doris Stalder in 1953 and to this union 3 sons were born. Phil and his family lived in several different communities before settling in Kearney. Phil developed a love for cars and trucks at an early age which eventually translated into a 50 plus year career as an auto body technician. Phil greatly enjoyed stock car racing and raced on circuits in Kansas and Nebraska claiming several track championships throughout the years. His love of racing continued long after he stopped racing as a fan of sprint cars and also Nascar. He was a dedicated member of the Church of God and served on the leadership council for a number of years. He was also a lifetime member of the B.P.O.E. Kearney Lodge #984, the Holdrege Eagles #3122 and also the NRCA. Phil enjoyed watching Nebraska Football and also driving to get parts for various vehicle projects. Phil loved antique cars and owned several in later years; his favorite being his 1969 Cadillac convertible. Phil loved to read and also watch westerns. He enjoyed listening to music. His son Keith kept him supplied with cd’s that he played and sang for his dad. Steven often brought his guitar to the home and played for his dad. Phil enjoyed listening to both of his sons’ music. He married Susan Orvis on June 30, 1978 in Kearney. He enjoyed vacationing in Estes Park, CO in addition to the many trips he and Susan took including from Alaska to Mexico and from Galveston, TX to Niagara Falls and many states in between. Surviving relatives include his wife, Susan of Kearney, NE; sons, Keith (Nancy) Simmons of Milltown, MT and Steve (Peggy) Simmons of Kearney, NE; mother in law, Florence Simmons of Estes Park, CO; nephew, J.D. Simmons of Doniphan, NE; niece, Diana Simmons of Norton, KS; brother in law, Dr. B.T. Orvis of Slippery Rock, PA; 14 grandchildren; 18 great grandchildren; several special great and great great nephews and nieces, cousins and many loyal friends and his dog Sammy. Phillip was preceded in death by his parents; brother, John Simmons; son, Terry Simmons; niece Deb Kinne; great nephew, Jeremy Simmons

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Phillip L. Simmons

June 15, 1935 - May 23, 2018