Simmons, Gene 1926-2025 Cameron, Mo.

CAMERON, Mo. – Lester Eugene “Gene” Simmons, 98, passed away peacefully April 2, 2025, at Mosaic Hospital. Gene was born July 5, 1926, in King City, Missouri, to Roy and Ottie (Meeker) Simmons.

He graduated from King City High School in 1944 and University of Missouri in 1949.

Gene served in the Army Infantry from September 1944 to July 1946 in Rhineland, Central Europe, receiving the Victory Medal, European Theatre Ribbon, Good Conduct Medal, and Army Occupation.

Gene married Frances Marie Freeman July 16, 1951, in Savannah, Missouri. She preceded him in death in 2020. They were married 68 years.

Gene worked for the Federal Land Bank many years and later did rural real estate appraisals in the area. He was a member of the United Methodist Church of Cameron.

Gene enjoyed keeping his lawn looking nice and watching crops grow on his farm north of Cameron.

Survivors include, nephews, Kenton C. Freeman MD, Whitney (Melisa) Freeman DC, Jack (Senthia) Crouch, and John (Kelly) Freeman; nieces, Michelle Freeman Richardson, Pam Crouch Helfers, Mary Beth Crouch (Jeff) Lawhon, Loretta Simmons (Jerry) Gilbert, and Cleta Simmons Bohart; along with numerous great nieces and nephews, and loyal friend and neighbor, Pat Jones.

Services: 1 p.m. Friday, April 11, 2025, at Poland-Thompson Chapel. Visitation prior to the service from noon to 1 p.m. Graveside Service at 3:30 p.m. in King City Cemetery.

Online condolences: www.polandthompson.com

Arrangements by Poland-Thompson Funeral Home, Cameron. As published in the St. Joseph News-Press.