Rex R. Simmons

Rex R. Simmons was born on January 14, 1934 at rural Centropolis, in Franklin County, Kansas, to Everett B. and Lola F. (Moses) Simmons. He attended Union Center and Chapel Hill grade schools, graduating from Appanoose High School in 1952. Rex was born and raised on the family homestead farm. He worked alongside his father, E.B. and his favorite uncle, Charlie Simmons. He shared his love of horses with his uncle Charlie, and he was especially fond of his old paint horse, named Flash. He spoke fondly of Flash throughout his life, referring to her as “the best mare in the whole world”. He had witnessed his beloved horse’s death, by way of a lightning strike during a sudden thunderstorm, and he would say that it was the most heart breaking accident that had ever happened to him. Rex would tell stories of his boyhood trips to the Tauy Theater in Ottawa, Kansas, with his uncle Charlie, where they would watch motion pictures featuring the old western heroes, like Gene Autry and Roy Rogers. He never lost his love of watching the heroes, in those western movies, and the ideals that they represented. John Wayne became his favorite, and many of his family members hold fond memories of watching favorite John Wayne movies with him. Rex was a natural athlete, and he especially loved to play basketball. He coached the Appanoose grade school teams during his high school years, and he enjoyed the thrill of winning championship games with his own team at Appanoose High School. He lettered during all four high school years, and he held the record for high point average. His love for basketball continued throughout his life, and he followed many college and professional teams, including his favorite, the Kansas University men’s basketball team. During times of recounting his high school basketball memories, his eyes would light up and he would begin to tell of how his “favorite cheerleader” would cheer him on to victory, saying “Come-Onnnn, Rex!” He was united in marriage with his high school sweetheart (and favorite cheerleader), Shirley Robbins, in 1953. Six children were born to this union: Michael Dean, Susan Gammon, Roger, Rodney, Laurie, and Pamela Mills. He blessed his family with a deep and unconditional love, meeting the hardships of life, alongside the blessings, with a steadfast determination to “do right by those he loved”. God blessed Rex with a beautifully expressive, deep, bass, singing voice. From 1949 to 1953, he sang and accompanied himself on the guitar each Sunday on the Centropolis Baptist Church radio program that aired on the KOFO radio station. He was active in the Centropolis Baptist Church, serving as both the music director and a church deacon. For many years, he directed the church choir and recorded their music for a weekly Sunday morning KOFO radio show. In later years, he served on the Worden United Methodist Church praise team, sharing his vocal gift during regular worship. He also blessed folks through solo performances, in addition to participation with various musical ensembles, including a men’s quartet. He often spoke, in later years, of fond memories, singing with his friends, Bruce Ausherman, John Heckathorne, and Dale Lewis in the quartet. He loved the old hymns and the rich harmony of southern gospel style music. He would speak of his love for the deep meaning of the lyrics and how the music had impacted his own life. Rex was employed by the Kmart Corporation for 22 years, from which he retired. He was also a lifetime farmer/rancher on the family farm. He was preceded in death by an infant brother, Harold Lee, and two sisters, Margaret Jean Makin and Rosalee Simmons, his parents, E.B. and Lola Simmons, and four children, Michael Dean (stillborn infant), Roger Allen, Rodney Gene, and Pamela Renee Mills. Rex was a kind and gentle giant of a man, who worked tirelessly for his family. He brought “quality of life” to those he loved, and his presence will be deeply and sadly missed.