Gary Ray Simmons

Gary Ray Simmons, 65, of Osage, Wyo., passed away on Sept. 26, 2012, at Weston County Health Services, surrounded by his loved ones.

Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Monday at Worden Chapel in Newcastle with Pastor Zach Davis officiating.

Burial will follow at the Greenwood Cemetery in Newcastle.

Gary, lovingly called “Papa” by his three grandsons and great-granddaughter, was born on May 8, 1947, in Deadwood, S.D., to proud parents Joe and Marion (Seals) Simmons.

He attended grammar school in Belle Fourche, S.D., and Osage, Wyo. He attended high school in Upton, Wyo. During this time, he met his future wife and mother of his two daughters.

Gary and Sandra Kay Larson were married April 19, 1965, in Osage, Wyo. They welcomed the first of two daughters in the same year when Marsha Simmons Jackson was born May 5.

In April of the following year, they were blessed with another daughter, Stephanie Simmons.

In the years following the birth of his daughters, Gary enjoyed stock car racing, hunting, fishing and entertaining with his family. Spending the majority of his career as a roustabout/truck driver in the oil patch, he was employed by various companies such as Updike Brothers and Townsend Oil Company.

Gary was known best for his ability to bring humor to the most difficult situations. He was definitely the life of the party. He had a passion for animals especially his dogs. He was a very loving and giving father, grandfather and husband. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

Gary is survived by his wife, Sandi; daughters Marsha and Stephanie of Gillette, Wyo.; grandsons Skylar Riehemann, Garrett Jackson and Kramer Jackson all of Gillette, brother Dennis of Belle Fourche, S.D., and sister Pat Townsend of Osage, Wyo., and his great-granddaughter Sienna Riehemann; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, brother Jerry Simmons and infant daughter Keo Jo.

A memorial has been established, contributions may be left at Worden Funeral Directors, P.O. Box 627, Newcastle, WY.