Gregory L. Simmons, age 78, Branson, Missouri

Gregory L. Simmons, age 78, passed away from kidney failure on October 21, 2023, with family by his side. He entered this life September 21, 1945, the son of Robert and Evelyn (Graves) Simmons in Nevada, Missouri. Greg graduated from high school in Torrance, California in 1964, then attended Joplin Junior College. Greg met Marlyss Ann Kelly on April Fool's Day in 1966, while attending college at Southwest Missouri State in Springfield, Missouri. Later that year on Saturday November 11, 1966, the two were joined in marriage in Kansas City, Missouri.

Greg proudly served our country in the Air Force. And by April of 1967, Greg and Marlyss were in New Jersey at Greg's first posting. When he came home from South Korea three years later, they lived in Southern California, where he began his employment at the Williams Diamond Steamship Agency for whom he would work for twenty years eventually earning the title of Vice President of Sales and Marketing. This job would take them from Long Beach to San Francisco to Chicago where Greg was responsible for establishing the company's first Midwest office. During this time their oldest son, Robert Noel, was born. A few years later, they returned to Long Beach. It was there, the year Bobby started kindergarten, that Frank Gordon, their second son, was born. When that company was sold, Greg and Marlyss decided to move with their sons back home to the Ozarks to be closer to family. Their family welcomed a foreign exchange student, Jerome Asico, into their home from 2004-05. Greg retired from his last employer, American Dehydrated Foods, in 2008. He was a talented writer, painter, woodworker, and trumpet player. The memories created over Greg’s life will be cherished by all who knew him.

Greg is survived by his wife of fifty-six years, Marlyss; his two sons: Bob and Frank; three brothers; and a sister.

He was preceded in death by his parents: Robert L. Simmons and Evelyn Graves Simmons; and his brothers: Kevin and Gordon.

The family is deeply grateful for the kind and professional assistance provided by Integrity Hospice during Greg's last days. Greg was honored to be able to donate his body to science.

There will be a celebration of life held at a later date. Arrangements are under the direction of Cremations of the Ozarks. To leave an online condolence or share a memory, please visit www.cremationsoftheozarks.com.