Benny Jack Simmons

Benny Jack Simmons, 71, of Shawnee, Kansas passed away Saturday, December 2, 2017, at his home. A celebration of his life will be held on Thursday, December 7, 2017 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the McGilley and Frye Funeral Home, 105 East Loula Street, Olathe, Kansas. Inurnment in Fort Logan National Cemetery in Denver, Colorado will take place at a later date.

In lieu of flowers the family requests that donations be made to: The American Legion Post 153 410 Dennis Ave. Olathe, Kansas 66061.

Benny was born on July 5, 1946 in Longmont, Colorado to Ethel Irene (Philpot) and Benny Jack Simmons. He was raised in Longmont and graduated from Longmont High School in 1964.

He spent summers working on a ranch near Riverton, Wyoming with his beloved aunt Dee Sauer. Benny joined the U.S. Marine Corps in 1965 and was stationed at Camp Pendleton, California. He served his country in Vietnam earning many service awards and achieved the rank of Corporal E-4. He was honorably discharged in 1969. After his military service, Benny returned to Longmont, Colorado where he worked briefly as an electrician and also for the City of Longmont.

He was accepted for training as an Air Traffic Controller with the Denver Air Traffic Control Center and transferred to the Kansas City Air Traffic Control Center in 1980. His last position with the federal government was as an Information Technology Specialist for the Farm Service Agency in Kansas City, Missouri. He held this position until he retired in 2003.

Benny was an accomplished golfer and took great pride scoring lower than, and collecting bets from, many, much younger, golfers. He enjoyed playing cards with his friends at the American Legion in Olathe, Kansas.

He loved to hunt and fish, activities he shared with friends and family. He looked forward to fishing trips with his friends in Minnesota and Canada, particularly with his best friend Richard Porter. He was a consummate Denver Broncos fan and enjoyed watching them win three world championship games during his lifetime. Benny shared his love of Broncos football with his children and grandchildren. He was a wonderful dad and grandfather and was very proud of his family.

He is survived by his sister Linda (John) Hippe and nephew John all of Cheyenne, Wyoming; son, Shawn (Jodi) Simmons of Longmont, Colorado; daughter, Shannon Maestas of Longmont, Colorado; and daughter, Shelly Cain of Louisburg, Kansas. He leaves behind four grandchildren; Trevor and Sherena Simmons, Payton Maestas and Lily Cain. He was preceded in death by his parents.

Arrangements are under the direction of the McGilley and Frye Funeral Home and Cremation Service, Olathe, Kansas.