Simmons W. Cook Jr.

Simmons W. Cook Jr., age 88 and lifelong resident of Sidney, passed away at the Sidney Regional Medical Center, Monday afternoon, May 4, 2015.

Simmons Wallace Cook Jr., the son of Simmons Wallace Sr. and Helen Ilene (Thompson) Cook, was born on July 7, 1926 in Sidney. He attended Sidney Pubic Schools, graduating with the Class of 1944. Following graduation, Simmons enlisted in the United States Marine Corps. He served with the Fourth Marine Division in World War II in the South Western Pacific including the islands of Guam, Palau, Truk and a short period in North China.

Following his honorable discharge, Simmons was involved with law enforcement for a number of years as a Sidney Police Officer and then was an inspector for the Nebraska Railway Commission. He served as Safety Director for an Oil Field Transportation Company before starting his own business, Western Services Company in 1957. Simmons owned and operated the Oil Field Tank Service until his retirement in 2002.

Simmons was a Life Member of the 4th U.S. Marine Division, served on the Cheyenne County Veterans Committee for a number of years, was active as Commander of the VFW, DAV and American Legion Honor Guard for forty-six years. He served on the Sidney Civil Service Commission for thirty years. He was a lifelong member of the First Christian Church of Sidney. He enjoyed hunting, fishing and participated in competitive trap shooting, winning several local, regional and state championships. Simmons was a Master Duck Caller, loving husband, father and grandfather.

Survivors include his wife of 65 years, Lois of Sidney; two sons, Kim Cook and wife, Peggy, and Dr. Jeff Cook and wife, Jennifer; and one very special granddaughter, Jordan Cook all of Sidney.

Simmons was preceded in death by his parents.

Friends were able to stop at the Gehrig-Stitt Chapel on Wednesday, May 6, to sign Simmons' register book and drop off condolences for the family. Memorial contributions may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project.

Graveside services with military honors were held at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, May 7, in the Greenwood Cemetery with Rev. H. Douglas Peirce officiating.

Gehrig-Stitt Chapel & Cremation Service, LLC was in charge of Simmons' care and funeral arrangements.