Mickey Simmons, Sr.

Mickey J. Simmons, Sr., 82, of Lander, Wyo, died at his home on Tuesday, Sept. 22, 2015.

Mickey was born on Oct. 7, 1932, in Thermopolis, Wyo., to Anthony and Ethel Simmons. He was one of four children, was raised in Thermopolis and graduated from Hot Springs County High School. After graduation he moved to Vallejo, Calif.

He was baptized into the Catholic faith and was an active member of the Holy Rosary Catholic Church and the Knights of Columbus.

While in Vallejo, he married his wife, Dixie Lorraine Witcher. This last April they celebrated 64 years together. They had two children, a boy and girl that they raised in Wyoming. In 1953 they moved to Midwest, Wyo., where they lived until 1977 when they moved to Lander, where they lived until his passing.

Mickey was a master electrician by trade and started working as an electrician at the Mare Island Naval Shipyards in Vallejo, Calif. When he moved back to Wyoming he worked for Stanlin Oil and Gas as an electrician from 1954 until 1964. In 1965 he started his own business, Simmons Electric and he operated it until 1991.

He enjoyed creating stained glass and wood working especially wooden bears. He also enjoyed hunting, fishing and playing pinochle at the senior citizens center. He was known as the "fix anything guy" and he truly did fix anything.

He is survived by his wife, Dixie Simmons, of Lander; son, Mickey Jack Simmons, Jr. of Lander; daughter, Sonya Marie (Harold) Simmons Anderson of Pray, Mont .; aunt, Cissy Taylor of Albuquerque, N.M .; nephew, Jack Young of Albuquerque; grandchildren, Zachary, Lucas, Olivia, Amanda, and Amy; and 10 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Anthony and Ethel Simmons; brothers, Dewey Simmons and Toni Simmons; and his sister, Hazel Farmer.

A memorial service was held on Monday, Sept. 28, 2015, at the Holy Rosary Catholic Church in Lander. Father Schumacher officiated. Inurnment followed at Mount Hope Cemetery. Services were under the direction of Davis Funeral Home. Memorials may be made to Lander Senior Citizens Center or Holy Rosary Catholic Church in care of Davis Funeral Home, 2203 West Main Street, Riverton, WY 82501. On-line condolences may be made to the family at http://www.TheDavisFuneralHome.com.