Obituary for John Bernard Simons

John Bernard Simons, 75, of Edgemont, South Dakota, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his loving family on Sunday, November 3, 2024. He was born on April 24, 1949, in Hot Springs, South Dakota, to Bernard D. and Helen M. Simons.

John was the fourth of eleven children and grew up on the family ranch in southwest South Dakota. From an early age, he developed a strong work ethic and a deep love for the land. He attended school in Edgemont and later spent time in McIntosh, where he discovered his love for track and field and became a state-level competitor. He also placed second in the state typing competition in high school—a reflection of his well-rounded talents.

In 1967, John met the love of his life, Ellen Schutt, and they began dating. Their love story continued to blossom, and they were married on June 21, 1969. Together, they raised three children: Christina, Samuel, and Robbie. Over the years, they also became the proud grandparents of many grandchildren and great-grandchildren who will always remember him for his humor, wisdom, and generosity.

John's career was as varied as his talents. After attending heavy equipment school in Texas, he worked on pipelines across the western United States, including in Gillette, Wyoming; Vernal, Utah; and Sturgis, South Dakota. He later worked as a welder and fabricator for Jim's Water Service in Gillette, where he earned a reputation as one of the finest in the business, known for his meticulous craftsmanship and creativity. John could build anything—from custom bumpers to small oil rigs—and was highly regarded as both a master welder and an artist.

Beyond his work, John had a lifelong passion for vehicles. His love for cars and trucks, especially his beloved Ford pickups and GM cars, was evident in the countless hours he spent restoring, rebuilding, and working on them. He also enjoyed collecting Smith & Wesson revolvers and Weatherby rifles. His mechanical expertise was matched only by his creativity, and his garage was always filled with projects that seemed to defy the impossible.

John's sense of humor was legendary. He was a jokester at heart, often playing pranks on his siblings, coworkers, and friends. His larger-than-life personality and infectious laughter brightened every room he entered. While he could be a bit grumpy at times, those who knew him best knew he would give the shirt off his back to anyone in need. He was a man of integrity, loyalty, and love for his family.

In 2005, John and Ellen returned to Edgemont, where they built a home filled with love, laughter, and many more projects. John continued to spend his days tinkering with metal, wood, and everything in between, leaving behind a legacy of craftsmanship and dedication. He was always creating, always improving, and always making those around him better.

John is survived by his loving wife of 55 years, Ellen; his children, Christina (Beau) Maxon, Samuel (Chelsie) Simons, and Robbie Simons; his grandchildren, Michelle (Tyler) Kern, LaNisha (Matt) Witkop, Natisha (Kyle) Shamion, Brenden Krieter, Chris Simons, Austin Maxon, Ryan Simons, Trysten Maxon, Caleb (Morgan) Simons, Skyler Simons, and Anthony Simons; and his nine great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his siblings: Richard Domogalski, Wayne Domogalski, Marjorie Little Field, Thomas Simons, Carrol Simons, Judy Simons, Samuel Simons, Leo Simons, Rosanne Simons, and Laura Simons.

John was preceded in death by his parents, Bernard D. and Helen M. Simons.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in John's memory to Central Baptist Church of Gillette Wyoming.

John's memory will live on in the many lives he touched. He leaves behind a legacy of love, laughter, craftsmanship, and a deep sense of family that will never be forgotten.

Visitation will be held 5:00 p.m.Thursday, November 7, 2024, at Edgemont Baptist Church in Edgemont, SD with a prayer service and sharing at 6:00 p.m.

Funeral service will be held 10:00 a.m., Friday, November 8, 2024, at Edgemont Baptist Church in Edgemont, SD with committal service following at Edgemont Cemetery.